What does mongering mean?
Mongering means engaging in a particular activity, especially trading or selling, but in contemporary English its most familiar use is in combinations that describe the active circulation of bad ideas or hostile feelings. Rumor-mongering is the spreading of unverified gossip, while warmongering means encouraging fear, antagonism, or war. Fishmongering is an older trading sense referring to the business of selling fish. The word can function as a gerund or an abstract activity noun, although its unqualified use is relatively uncommon and can sound literary or archaic. In modern writing, compound forms are usually clearer and more idiomatic than attempting to use “mongering” by itself. These uses give the word a distinctly unfavorable modern connotation when it concerns rumor or hostility, while the older commercial sense remains neutral.
The activity of trading or selling, or of actively promoting or spreading something such as gossip, rumours, or hostility.
"Political rumor-mongering intensified as the election approached."
The abstract noun is now chiefly used in compounds; its standalone use is uncommon.
To engage in a trade or selling activity, especially the business of selling a particular commodity.
"Local traders were fishmongering at the market every morning."
This verbal use is uncommon outside established compounds and may sound literary.
Rare as a count noun; the word is normally used as an uncountable activity noun or as the gerund of “monger.”
"The early twentieth century was marked by repeated mongerings of exaggerated claims."
Mongering has survived as a general word mainly by joining forces with other words: its modern fame comes from rumor-mongering and warmongering.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mongering come from?
“Mongering” was formed from “monger” plus the suffix “-ing.” A monger was originally a dealer or trader, and the extended sense of someone who trafficked in news or gossip is reflected in later compounds. The formation became especially prominent through established expressions involving rumor, warfare, and commodity trading, which account for most recognizable modern usage.
Related word forms
How mongering is actually used
Standalone use is uncommon and may sound old-fashioned; the word is much more natural in established compounds. In British English, both “rumour-mongering” and the American form “rumor-mongering” are used, with British writers generally preferring “rumour.” “Warmongering” specifically denotes the promotion of hostility or war and is usually strongly critical in tone.
Easily confused with mongering
A manger is a trough from which animals feed, whereas a monger is a trader or, in compounds, someone who spreads gossip or promotes hostility.