What does talebearing mean?
Talebearing means telling stories or passing on reports about other people. Although the expression can describe the straightforward activity of storytelling, it usually has a more negative implication: the information is gossip, the accounts may be trivial or distorted, and the person telling them is perhaps indiscriminately talkative. The word appears particularly in literary descriptions of communities, households, and social groups where rumors circulate quickly. In modern conversation, "gossiping" or "tattling" will usually sound more natural. Talebearing is worth knowing because it names a familiar social phenomenon with a vivid image: one person carries a tale to another, and it may travel onward. The compound is also transparent, combining "tale" with "bear" in the sense of carrying or conveying.
nounThe act or practice of telling stories, especially gossiping or passing on reports about other people.
- The telling of stories or gossip, especially the repeated sharing of minor reports and personal information about others.
"Her constant talebearing made it difficult for her to keep any confidence."
"A rash remark during a moment of talebearing quickly reached the whole office."
"The novel presents village life as a web of friendship, suspicion, and talebearing."
Used for separate instances or examples of the activity.
"The witnesses offered accounts of several talebearings among the neighbors."
Talebearing sounds like storytelling, but the word usually carries an unflattering implication: gossip is on the loose.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of talebearing
The compound combines the English word "tale," ultimately from Old English talu, meaning story or account, with "bear" in the sense of carrying or conveying. Its development reflects the literal idea of carrying stories from one person to another. The related forms "talebearer" and "talebearers" use the same compound metaphor for a person who spreads gossip.
Related word forms
How talebearing is actually used
Rare and chiefly literary or historical. It is generally more critical than the neutral word "storytelling" and often implies gossip or idle chatter.