Scandalmongering (/ˈskændəlmʌŋɡərɪŋ/) is the practice of spreading rumors or gossip about someone, usually involving scandalous information. The word is spelled with a combination of the word "scandal" and the suffix "-mongering," which means to promote or stir up. The stress falls on the second syllable, "mun," and the word is pronounced with a short "a" sound in the first and third syllables. Scandalmongering can be found in various forms of media, including social media, tabloids, and news outlets.
Scandalmongering refers to the act of spreading or disseminating scandalous information or rumors about others, often with the intent to harm their reputation or create unrest among the public. It involves engaging in malicious gossip or idle talk that focuses on personal or often controversial aspects of individuals, particularly those who may be in the public eye, in order to generate curiosity, controversy, sensationalism, or even harm.
The term "scandalmongering" often carries a negative connotation, associated with the practice of creating or perpetuating scandals without sufficient evidence or facts to support the claims made. It involves the deliberate spreading of rumors, often through means of communication such as social media, tabloid journalism, or other gossip-oriented platforms or outlets. Scandalmongering can be seen as a form of defamation or character assassination when the information shared is false, misleading, or meant to cause harm.
Scandalmongering may originate from personal vendettas, political motivations, desire for attention, or even commercial interests seeking profit from sensationalism. It can significantly impact the lives and reputations of the individuals targeted, tarnishing their image, damaging relationships, and potentially leading to negative socio-psychological consequences.
In summary, scandalmongering involves the deliberate and often malicious dissemination of scandalous information or rumors about others, with the aim of harming reputations, creating chaos, or seeking personal gains. It is highly associated with idle gossip, lack of evidence, and the intention to manipulate public opinion.
The word "scandalmongering" is derived from two root words: "scandal" and "mongering".
The term "scandal" originated from the Latin word "scandalum", which means "stumbling block" or "offense". This Latin term was adapted from the ancient Greek word "skandalon", referring to a trap or stumbling block. Over time, "scandal" evolved to describe actions or events that cause moral outrage or public controversy.
The word "mongering" is derived from the noun "monger", which initially meant a trader or a dealer in old English. It stems from the Old English word "mangere" or "mangrian", meaning a "merchant" or "trader". In this context, "mongering" signifies engaging in a particular trade or pursuit for personal gain or profit.