What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
busybody
Example
She's such a busybody, always poking her nose into everyone else's business. [busybody: noun]
Example
Stop being such a busybody and mind your own business. [busybody: adjective]
gossip
Example
I heard some juicy gossip about our neighbors. [gossip: noun]
Example
She loves to gossip about her coworkers during lunch breaks. [gossip: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gossip is more commonly used than busybody in everyday language. Gossip is a widely recognized term that covers a broad range of contexts, while busybody is less common and more specific to describing a particular type of person.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between busybody and gossip?
Both busybody and gossip are informal terms. However, gossip can be used in a wider range of formality levels, from casual conversations to more formal discussions, while busybody is typically used in informal contexts.