THE DARK HISTORY OF GOSSIP Words by Ambar Ramirez and Carmen Macri
We’ll just start by saying that we love to gossip. Most people do, and if you
Women of that era engaged in gossip openly, not realizing they were es-
claim otherwise, you’re probably lying because believe it or not, gossiping
sentially painting targets on their backs for potential danger and shame. In
was (and is) a very normal, acceptable, social interaction.
contrast, men, while still partaking in the banter, did so discreetly in private spaces. The patriarchy believed that when men gossiped, it was for important
In today’s world, gossiping refers to casual or unconstrained conversations or
reasons — much different than the jobless women who engaged in gossip.
reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true, but that wasn’t always the case. Gossip wasn’t always viewed
Gossip Turning Into Witchcraft
negatively. Surprisingly, back in the 12th century, medieval churches saw gos-
Gossip became unfairly associated with women, as their public gatherings
siping as morally neutral, even mentioning it in sermons. Some folks suggest
with friends led to societal disapproval. Back then, it was deemed unaccept-
that gossip has ancient origins, tracing it back to our primate relatives who
able for women to be seen chatting in groups in public spaces, often resulting
loosely chatted to strengthen bonds and build larger social groups. So when
in unfounded accusations of witchcraft. What other reason could men conjure
did gossip take a turn for the negative?
up for women simply enjoying each other’s company?
Much like anything that brings women joy, men had to come in and ruin it all.
In the eyes of the patriarchy, women’s friendships have consistently been
Kidding, kidding — kind of.
seen as a threat, with gossip playing a crucial role in forming and maintaining these bonds. Men thought that women sharing experiences and information,
The History of Gossip — As We Know It
especially in times when they were left in the dark about real-world issues,
In the Middle Ages, gossip was merely “idle talk” done by both parties, men
was unacceptable. These female friendships were labeled as “too powerful,”
and women alike. Gossiping was viewed as a natural part of interactions
leading to the widespread sentiment of rebranding them as “witch cults.”
among close friends, siblings or people in general. It served as a means of bonding and expressing affection toward one another. For women confined
It made men so uncomfortable that in 1547 a proclamation was issued against
to staying home all day, it even proved to be therapeutic. Essentially, it func-
the “gossip and babble of women.” Husbands were now “responsible” for
tioned as a form of communication.
keeping their wives locked indoors, and if women didn’t follow this rule, it wasn’t just a matter of breaking the law — it could put them in hot water —
In the late Middle Ages, people organized gatherings with friends to engage
facing accusations of witchcraft (naturally). And when it came to trials, women
in lively discussions about the happenings since they last met. Conversations
were forced (with the threat of torture hanging over them) to spill the beans
spanned a wide range of topics, from matters of life partners to political is-
on their own friends, sisters, mothers and daughters — for chit-chatting — and
sues, typically known only within the social circle.
it didn’t stop there. Of course, it didn’t stop there.
Little did anyone foresee that gender roles and oppression would significantly reshape and stigmatize this concept.
28 Folio Weekly
