噂話(うわさばなし)

Etymology

噂(うわさ) (rumor) + 話(ばなし) (talk, story) - talk consisting of rumors.

Usage

Generally has negative connotations in Japanese, implying:

• Talking behind someone's back
• Spreading unverified information
• Being nosy about others' affairs

Common collocations

• 噂話(うわさばなし)をする - to gossip
• 噂話(うわさばなし)に花(はな)が咲(さ)く - to get carried away with gossip
• 噂話(うわさばなし)を広(ひろ)める - to spread gossip

Related words

• 井戸端会議(いどばたかいぎ) - neighborhood gossip (lit. 'well-side meeting')
• 陰口(かげぐち) - talking behind someone's back