tittle-tattle

American  

[tit-l-tat-l] / ˈtɪt lˌtæt l /

noun

1. gossip or foolish chatter.

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verb (used without object)

tittle-tattled, tittle-tattling

1. to gossip or chatter.

tittle-tattle British  

noun

1. idle chat or gossip

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verb

1. (intr) to chatter or gossip

Other Word Forms

• tittle-tattler noun

Etymology

Origin of tittle-tattle

First recorded in 1520–30; gradational compound based on tittle to whisper, gossip

Example Sentences

‘Your uncle does not want gossip and tittle-tattle over breakfast,’ she said tightly.

From Literature

But such tittle-tattle was the lifeblood of Italian football and he was bullish, saying Lentini - living his boyhood dream and contracted to June 1995 - wasn't for sale.

From BBC

President Putin recently dismissed the suggestion as "utter nonsense, drivel and politically-motivated tittle-tattle."

From BBC

It's narrated by the mysterious Lady Whistledown, who writes regular newsletters full of tittle-tattle about the dating exploits of high society.

From BBC

Actual football looks unlikely for a little while so, in the meantime, lose yourself in the underworld of meaningless tittle-tattle:

From The Guardian