quidnunc

[ kwid-nuhngk ]

noun

1. a person who is eager to know the latest news and gossip; a gossip or busybody.

quidnunc

/ ˈkwɪdˌnʌŋk /

noun

1. a person eager to learn news and scandal; gossipmonger

Word History and Origins

Origin of quidnunc¹

First recorded in 1700–10, quidnunc is from Latin quid nunc “what now?”

Word History and Origins

Origin of quidnunc¹

C18: from Latin, literally: what now

Example Sentences

Quidnunc, kwid′nungk, n. one always on the lookout for news: one who pretends to know all occurrences.

From Project Gutenberg

The rest can wait until you tell me what new quidnunc tale was invented to lure you here.

From Project Gutenberg

He even becomes a quidnunc, prying now and then into the personal affairs of his superiors.

From Project Gutenberg

Beside the Quidnunc and the party politician, another class of reader now appeared demanding aliment in the press.

From Project Gutenberg

This was concerned with a famous personage whom all knowing London (though I for one had not known it) called Quidnunc.

From Project Gutenberg