The only time people dislike gossip is when you gossip about them.

The only time people dislike gossip is when you gossip about them.

Gossip is what no one claims to like -- but everyone enjoys.

Gossip is what no one claims to like -- but everyone enjoys.

There isn't much to be seen in a little town, but what you hear makes up for it.

There isn't much to be seen in a little town, but what you hear makes up for it.

Truth is not exciting enough to those who depend on the characters and lives of their neighbors for all their read more

Truth is not exciting enough to those who depend on the characters and lives of their neighbors for all their amusement.

Rumor, than which no evil flies more swiftly. She flourishes as she flies, gains strength by mere motion. Small at read more

Rumor, than which no evil flies more swiftly. She flourishes as she flies, gains strength by mere motion. Small at first and in fear, she soon rises to heaven, Walks upon land and hides her head in the clouds.

Report, that which no evil thing of any kind is more swift,
increases with travel and gains strength by read more

Report, that which no evil thing of any kind is more swift,
increases with travel and gains strength by its progress.
[Lat., Fama, malum quo non aliud velocius ullum,
Mobilitate viget, viresque acquirit eundo.]

Of every ten persons who talk about you, nine will say something bad, and the tenth will say something good read more

Of every ten persons who talk about you, nine will say something bad, and the tenth will say something good in a bad way.

Whoever keeps an open ear
For tattlers will be sure to hear
The trumpet of contention.

Whoever keeps an open ear
For tattlers will be sure to hear
The trumpet of contention.

Gossip needn't be false to be evil - there's a lot of truth that shouldn't be passed around.

Gossip needn't be false to be evil - there's a lot of truth that shouldn't be passed around.