Quidnunc

Quidnunc

ˈkwidˌnəNGk

Noun

  • An inquisitive and gossipy person.

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Example Sentences

“Celine is such a quidnunc that her first question is always about the latest gossip.”

“If you want to know what’s happening in your neighborhood, invite your local quidnunc over for coffee.”

“Jorge’s habit of asking lots of questions in the break room earned him a reputation as a bit of a quidnunc.”

Word Origin

Latin, early 18th century

Why this word?

“Quidnunc” is a compression of a Latin question, “Quid nunc?” — meaning “What now?” An inquisitive person might ask a version of this question if they were curious to hear the latest gossip; hence, “quidnunc” is used for a person who engages in gossip more frequently or blatantly than average. A series of recent studies has busted the myth that women are more likely to be quidnuncs than men. Most people, it turns out, gossip about 52 minutes a day, but the gossip tends to be nonjudgmental, rather than negative.

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ˈaɪɡənɡɹaʊ