Chismear vs. chismorrear vs. cotillear
The Spanish verbs 'chismear', 'chismorrear', and 'cotillear' all share the basic meaning of 'to gossip'. However, they feature subtle differences primarily due to regional usage, context and underlying connotations.
Chismear
'Chismear' is a commonly used verb for 'to gossip' in many Spanish-speaking regions. It often implies sharing information with a sense of enjoyment.
María siempre está chismeando sobre sus vecinos.
(Maria is always gossiping about her neighbors.)
No deberíamos chismear acerca de nuestras amigas.
(We should not gossip about our friends.)
Chismorrear
'Chismorrear' is similar to 'chismear', but it is less commonly used and seen as a more formal or old-fashioned term. It carries an implication of spreading rumours or scandalous information.
Los periodistas no deberían chismorrear.
(Journalists should not spread rumors.)
¿Te gusta chismorrear en las fiestas?
(Do you like to spread gossip at parties?)
Cotillear
'Cotillear', while also meaning 'to gossip', additionally contains the nuance of prying into someone's private affairs. This term is more commonly used in Spain, and can imply spying or being overly curious about others' business.
El vecino siempre está intentado cotillear.
(The neighbor is always trying to pry.)
No estés cotilleando en las vidas de los demás.
(Don't be snooping into other people's lives.)
Summary
'Chismear', 'chismorrear' and 'cotillear' are three Spanish verbs that mean 'to gossip'. The primary distinction comes from regional usage and specific nuances within the context of gossip. Typically, 'chismear' implies sharing information with enjoyment, while 'chismorrear' refers more formally to spreading rumours or scandalous details. On the other hand, 'cotillear' emphasizes prying into someone else's private affairs.