Chisme
Gossip — a piece of it, or the habit. It can also mean a "thingamajig" you cannot name.
Related lesson: Mexican Spanish — A Survival Guide.
Hear it in context
¿Quieres saber el chisme del día?
Do you want to hear the gossip of the day?
No me gusta chismear de la gente.
I don't like gossiping about people.
Mi tía es muy chismosa.
My aunt is a real gossip.
Pásame ese chisme que está en la mesa.
Pass me that thingamajig on the table.
What It Actually Means
Chisme is gossip: the story about who did what at the party. It is a normal word, said at home and at work without fuss, and it is more playful than rude. The word is understood across the Spanish-speaking world; the “thingamajig” sense is a second meaning to listen for.
The Family
- Chismear — to gossip.
- Chismoso / chismosa — a gossip.
- Chismorreo — gossiping as an activity.
Common Pitfall
Do not use chisme for the person: “a gossip” is un chismoso. And do not be surprised if someone calls a gadget a chisme; they are not talking about rumours.