The word "scandalmonger" is spelled as /ˈskændəlmʌŋɡər/. It consists of two root words, "scandal" and "monger". The root word "scandal" refers to a malicious rumor or gossip that can damage one's reputation, while "monger" means a person who deals with a specific commodity. Therefore, a scandalmonger is someone who spreads scandal or malicious rumors for personal gain or profit. The word is commonly used to describe journalists, politicians, or other public figures who seek to create controversy and chaos by spreading rumors and false information.
Scandalmonger is a noun that refers to a person who actively spreads rumors, gossip, or malicious stories about others, particularly those involving scandal or disgrace. The term is derived from the words "scandal," meaning a disgraceful or shocking event, and "monger," which means a dealer or trader. Hence, a scandalmonger can be seen as someone who "deals" in scandalous information, seeking to damage reputations, create discord, or generate public attention through spreading rumors.
Scandalmongers often thrive on sensationalism and delight in stirring up controversy. They typically engage in the art of spreading gossip and innuendo, seeking to sensationalize and exaggerate the details of a scandalous event or personal matter. Their aim is usually to attract attention, gain control over a situation, or simply to revel in the misfortune of others.
These individuals often lack credibility, integrity, or a sense of empathy, as they prioritize their own personal gain or satisfaction over the well-being and dignity of those they target. Scandalmongers can be found in various social settings, including workplaces, political arenas, or even within personal circles of friends or acquaintances.
While scandalmongering may sometimes provide temporary entertainment or amusement for some individuals, it can have severe consequences for those who become the subjects of false or damaging rumors. The spreading of scandalous information can lead to reputational damage, strained relationships, or emotional distress for the individuals involuntarily caught in the web of a scandalmonger's activities.
The word "scandalmonger" is derived from combining two separate terms. The first part, "scandal", originates from the Greek word "skandalon", meaning "a trap or snare" and later adopted into Latin as "scandalum", referring to "offense or stumbling block". In the English language, "scandal" initially meant "discredit or disgrace" before it took on the modern meaning of "an action or event causing public outrage or controversy".
The second part, "monger", comes from the Old English word "mangere", which means "trader" or "dealer". It is derived from the Latin word "mango", meaning "to trade or barter". In English, "monger" is typically used as a suffix to create terms referring to people who are associated with the trade of a particular item or engaged in promoting or spreading certain things.