Gossip - an ever-present element of life?

[Anonymouse]

Re: Gossip - an ever-present element of life?

Why must we talk about people? Why can't we talk about science or movies or literature?

It's true women are more prone to gossip, although I am confused about the kids thrown in the mix, and I wonder why. I have known people who never-ever gossip (I think gossip has more of a negative overtone), it seems that they like just about anyone. When someone has done wrong by them, they just ignore it, they never pass judgment. I think it's admirable in some way, but it's a little disturbing at times. How much do they hold in, how does their sense of morality and tolerance work.

I have to admit I do gossip, and at times a little more than I should, but I am just as quick to confront someone for their behavior. For example, I get very upset with my friends husband, who I feel doesn't treat her right. I complain to my other friends about him, but it often becomes excessive and I feel badly about my gossip.

I don't really understand the need to gossip. Is it because we don't find our life as exciting? Is it because we are unhappy, is it because we want attention, or are afraid to appear boring? Some people who gossip excessively don't really have anything else to talk about, I suppose they are afraid that without gossip they will be very boring individuals.

While we do talk about science and movies and literature, how much can we seriously constantly restrict ourselves only to that? We have a need and thirst to discuss people in our lives, whether idly or not, negative or positive.

It would be the same if someone entirely engaged in gossip. Then the question would be, how can we talk about other people for so long when there is a wealth of literature, movies and science to discuss?

There is a pendulum that swings in both directions. The key is to swing with the pendulum.

[RareChik]

Re: Gossip - an ever-present element of life?

I think if you are most happy within urself you are less likely to gossip. It also depends on maturity, experience and age and environment. I rarely talk about ppl, because there is really no need to. If I don't like something about someone or there's something buggin me then I go an tell that person. But if it's not that important that Im not goin and tellin that person then it's not important enough for me to say it to someone else. I used to gossip often when I was younger. As I said it comes from age and maturity also.

[Siamanto]

Re: Gossip - an ever-present element of life?

The first step to gossiping is talking about someone in the third person. I think the rest flows naturally once we seek entertainment with this aspect of our language faculty.

You've probably heard the old adage: "Les absents ont toujours tort."

[Anonymouse]

Re: Gossip - an ever-present element of life?

I feel like gossiping. Anyone wanna gossip with me about someone? Please let me know.

[jgk3]

Re: Gossip - an ever-present element of life?

Ok, but did this really answer any of my questions?

yes it does. It explains that gossiping is a natural followthrough of our ability to speak in third person, combined with a pursuit of entertainment, and so it's a pretty natural phenomenon that is independent of morality, although you could always think of morals to choose what you want to articulate in your gossip.

[jgk3]

Re: Gossip - an ever-present element of life?

You've probably heard the old adage: "Les absents ont toujours tort."

nope, I haven't, ça veut dire quoi le mot tort?

[Siamanto]

Re: Gossip - an ever-present element of life?

You've probably heard the old adage: "Les absents ont toujours tort."

nope, I haven't, ça veut dire quoi le mot tort?

"Tort" means fault; "Les absents ont toujours tort," literally, means that the absent ones - what you have called "third person????" - are always at fault i.e. it's easy to accuse a third person who is absent - and cannot defend himself/herself. It's a commonly used adage.

P.S. Just curious, how common/frequent is the usage of the French, in Montreal?

[Siamanto]

Re: Gossip - an ever-present element of life?

I feel like gossiping. Anyone wanna gossip with me about someone? Please let me know.

Technically speaking, can one gossip with oneself? Would that solve your problem?

[jgk3]

Re: Gossip - an ever-present element of life?

"Tort" means fault; "Les absents ont toujours tort," literally, means that the absent ones - what you have called "third person????" - are always at fault i.e. it's easy to accuse a third person who is absent - and cannot defend himself/herself. It's a commonly used adage.

P.S. Just curious, how common/frequent is the usage of the French, in Montreal?

not as frequent as it should be :P

edit: It is very frequent and all the public signs and inscriptions must favour French over English. I'm sorry, when I first read your post, I read "How common/frequent is your usage of French, in Montreal?"

French dominates Montreal, though there is a significant anglophone population that is between 1/3 to 1/2 of the total population, but in many sectors of the work force, you are severely disadvantaged if you are not adept in French.

We have laws that force children of immigrants to go to French school unless they (the parents) went to English school.

All in all, it is a very good thing to be bilingual in English and French in Montreal.