FOLIO
Words by Carmen Macri and Ambar Ramirez
We’ll just start by saying that we love to gossip. Most people do, and if you claim otherwise, you’re probably lying because believe it or not, gossiping was (and is) a very normal, acceptable, social interaction.
In today’s world, gossiping refers to casual or unconstrained conversations or 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 negatively. Surprisingly, back in the 12th century, medieval churches saw gossiping as morally neutral, even mentioning it in sermons. Some folks suggest that gossip has ancient origins, tracing it back to our primate relatives who loosely chatted to strengthen bonds and build larger social groups. So when did gossip take a turn for the negative?
Much like anything that brings women joy, men had to come in and ruin it all. Kidding, kidding — kind of.
The History of Gossip — As We Know It
In the Middle Ages, gossip was merely “idle talk” done by both parties, men and women alike. Gossiping was viewed as a natural part of interactions among close friends, siblings or people in general. It served as a means of bonding and expressing affection toward one another. For women confined to staying home all day, it even proved to be therapeutic. Essentially, it functioned as a form of communication.
In the late Middle Ages, people organized gatherings with friends to engage in lively discussions about the happenings since they last met. Conversations spanned a wide range of topics, from matters of life partners to political issues, typically known only within the social circle.
Little did anyone foresee that gender roles and oppression would significantly reshape and stigmatize this concept.
Women of that era engaged in gossip openly, not realizing they were essentially painting targets on their backs for potential danger and shame. In 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 reasons — much different than the jobless women who engaged in gossip.
Gossip Turning Into Witchcraft
Gossip became unfairly associated with women, as their public gatherings with friends led to societal disapproval. Back then, it was deemed unacceptable for women to be seen chatting in groups in public spaces, often resulting in unfounded accusations of witchcraft. What other reason could men conjure up for women simply enjoying each other’s company?
In the eyes of the patriarchy, women’s friendships have consistently been seen as a threat, with gossip playing a crucial role in forming and maintaining these bonds. Men thought that women sharing experiences and information, especially in times when they were left in the dark about real-world issues, was unacceptable. These female friendships were labeled as “too powerful,” leading to the widespread sentiment of rebranding them as “witch cults.”
It made men so uncomfortable that in 1547 a proclamation was issued against the “gossip and babble of women.” Husbands were now “responsible” for 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 — facing accusations of witchcraft (naturally). And when it came to trials, women were forced (with the threat of torture hanging over them) to spill the beans on their own friends, sisters, mothers and daughters — for chit-chatting — and it didn’t stop there. Of course, it didn’t stop there.
The Gossip Bridle or Scold’s Bridle
Men believed the “threat of torture” was not nearly enough, so they created a “gossip bridle” or “scold’s bridle,” which is essentially a sadistic mask made of metal and leather placed in the same fashion you would put a muzzle on a dog or a bridle on a horse. It was often studded with spikes so that if the “offender” moved their tongue bits of her flesh could be torn out, making speaking impossible. Donning the mask was not enough punishment for men, so they would order their slaves to walk their gossiping wives through the town for public humiliation where people would often shame and spit on them.
The first documented use of the instrument was in Scotland in 1567 and the last was in 1600.
Gossip Today
At its core, gossiping was just a form of communication. And while gossip today, luckily, doesn’t have the gruesome consequences, it is still viewed negatively. When did gossip turn from basic human connection to — for a better lack of words — talking shit?
It’s challenging to pinpoint an exact moment when gossip turned negative, as attitudes toward it vary among individuals and communities.
Generally, gossip may be viewed negatively when it involves spreading false information, causing harm to someone’s reputation or contributing to a toxic and judgmental atmosphere — even though that is not what it once was. The rise of mass media, celebrity culture and social media has also played a role in shaping how gossip is perceived, often increasing its potential for harm.
The online environment tends to amplify sensationalism and exaggeration. People are often drawn to attention-grabbing headlines and scandalous details, leading to the spread of unverified or misleading information. This quick dissemination of “gossip” can contribute to the rapid tarnishing of reputations.
While some people may still see gossip as a harmless form of communication or a way to share information (it is), others emphasize the importance of responsible and respectful communication to avoid its negative consequences. But worry not, if you do decide to partake in a little babble or chit-chat, rest assured you won’t find yourself subjected to a torture device.
xoxo,
Gossip Girl(s)
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