quidnunc

American  

[kwid-nuhngk] / ˈkwɪdˌnʌŋk /

noun

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

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quidnunc British  

/ ˈkwɪdˌnʌŋk /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of quidnunc

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

Explanation

If you love to spread the latest gossip, you're a quidnunc. The neighborhood quidnunc is the person who seems to always know everyone's business. Quidnunc is archaic — it's hardly ever used these days. It's too bad, because it's a fun way to describe a busybody or rumormonger. You can call your nosy friend a quidnunc, or tell your dad, "Don't be such a quidnunc!" when he snoops in your room. Quidnunc was coined in the 1700s, combining the Latin words quid, "what," and nunc, "now," and mimicking someone who might constantly ask, "What's happening now?" or "What's the news?"

Example Sentences

There are some grounds for thinking so, and in that case, if "the nature follows the male," Quidnunc must have doffed his immateriality and suffered real incarnation.

From Lore of Proserpine by Hewlett, Maurice Henry

There, assuredly, in the portico, square, smiling and assured of his will, I saw Quidnunc stand, and his light eyes upon hers.

From Lore of Proserpine by Hewlett, Maurice Henry

They call him Quidnunc—Mister Quidnunc, too, and don't you forget it.

From Lore of Proserpine by Hewlett, Maurice Henry

Was my policeman right when he called Quidnunc a herald angel?

From Lore of Proserpine by Hewlett, Maurice Henry

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

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various