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chisme

CHEE-smeh/ˈtʃisme/

gossip

Also: rumor, dirt
NounmA2informal
Mexico
Two people whispering to each other in a colorful garden setting.

📝 In Action

¡Cuéntame el chisme completo!

A1

Tell me the whole gossip!

No me gustan los chismes de la oficina.

A2

I don't like office gossip.

Ese chisme resultó ser una mentira.

B1

That rumor turned out to be a lie.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • rumor (rumor)
  • chismorreo (gossiping)

Antonyms

  • verdad (truth)
  • discreción (discretion)

Common Collocations

  • contar un chisme – to tell a piece of gossip
  • traer un chisme – to have some gossip to share
  • chisme de pasillo – water-cooler talk / hallway rumor

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser un chisme – to be common knowledge/widely rumored

thingy

Also: gadget, knick-knack
NounmB1informal
Caribbean
A small, mysterious mechanical part with gears and a button on a wooden table.

📝 In Action

¿Para qué sirve este chisme?

B1

What is this thingy for?

Pásame ese chisme que está en la mesa.

A2

Pass me that gadget that's on the table.

Tengo la casa llena de chismes viejos.

B2

My house is full of old knick-knacks.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • un chisme raro – a weird gadget/object

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "chisme" in Spanish:

dirt→gadget→gossip→knick-knack→rumor→thingy→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: chisme

Question 1 of 3

If your friend says '¡Tengo un chisme!', what do they most likely want to do?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
chismear(to gossip) — Verb
chismoso(gossiper / gossipy) — Adjective
chismorreo(the act of gossiping) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'schisma,' which means a split or division. It originally referred to a small fragment or something that caused a rift between people.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: schismPortuguese: mexerico

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'chisme' a bad word?

No, it's not a swear word or offensive, but calling someone 'chismoso' (a gossip) can be a bit insulting as it implies they can't keep secrets.

What is the difference between 'chisme' and 'rumor'?

'Rumor' is more formal and often used in news or business. 'Chisme' is personal, social, and usually shared between friends.

How do I say 'to gossip' as an action?

You use the verb 'chismear' or the phrase 'andar en el chisme' (to be involved in gossip).