Chisme vs. cotilleo vs. chismorreo vs. murmuración
The Spanish language has several synonyms for the word 'gossip', including 'chisme', 'cotilleo', 'chismorreo', and 'murmuración'. While they all refer to talking about someone else's private affairs, each has a slight difference in usage and connotation.
Chisme
This is the general term for gossip, often used colloquially and carries no particular implication of approval or disapproval.
Ella siempre tiene el último chisme del vecindario.
(She always has the latest neighborhood gossip.)
Cotilleo
This directly refers to idle chat or harmless gossip as a social activity. It is usually related to trivial matters.
Los invitados disfrutaron de un buen cotilleo después de la cena.
(The guests enjoyed a good gossip after dinner.)
Chismorreo
This word conveys a more negative connotation, suggesting someone who frequently spreads rumors or enjoys meddling in other people's affairs.
María está harta del chismorreo constante en su oficina.
(Maria is fed up with the constant gossiping in her office.)
Murmuración
It indicates malicious talk or spreading of rumors behind someone's back. Murmuración tends to carry a heavier, more negative connotation than the other words.
La murmuración puede llegar a ser muy perjudicaria en un entorno de trabajo.
(Gossip can be very damaging in a work environment.)
Summary
All these four words can be translated as 'gossip' in English with minor nuances. 'Chisme' is the most neutral and widely used term for gossip. 'Cotilleo' refers more to harmless social chatting while 'chismorreo' suggests unnecessary meddling or spreading rumors, and 'murmuración' implies malicious intent of defaming someone behind their back.