'gossip' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'godsibb', where 'god' meant 'god' and 'sibb' meant 'relative'.

'godsibb' transformed into the Middle English word 'gossib', and eventually became the modern English word 'gossip'.

Initially, it meant 'a godparent or sponsor', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'idle talk or rumor'.