Gossip vs. Rumor

Gossip vs. Rumor Rumors and gossip have similarly distasteful connotations, but researchers disagree about whether they are the same thing. Here's a rundown of different views on gossip and rumor:

• They're the same.
• Rumor is a specific type of gossip.
• Gossip is based in fact, but rumors are based in hypotheses.
• Gossip is a tool for maintaining social order, but rumor is a tool for explaining things that people do not understand.
• Gossip relates something people believe has happened, but rumors express what people hope or fear will happen.