Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| fofoca | /fɔˈfɔ.kɐ/ (Brazil) /foˈfɔ.kɐ/ (Brazil) |
Brazil, feminine |
| bisbilhotice | /biz.bi.ʎoˈt͡ʃi.si/ (Brazil) /biʒ.bi.ʎoˈt͡ʃi.si/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
feminine |
| cusquice | feminine | |
| mexerico | /me.ʃeˈɾi.ku/ (Brazil) /mɨ.ʃɨˈɾi.ku/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
Gossip refers to idle talk. While terms like fofocar or mexericar are used to describe the act of talking about someone's private business, if you want to describe talking idly without a negative connotation, you should use the expression bater papo or the verb papear.
Which one should you use?
While several words can mean gossip, fofoca is the most common and informal term for daily use. The word cusquice is a more colloquial way to specifically describe the habit of being nosy or meddling. Mexerico is a masculine alternative to the feminine forms.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Fofoca is the standard and most widely recognized term for gossip in Brazil.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun fofoca is commonly converted into the verb fofocar to describe the action of gossiping.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /fɔˈfɔ.kɐ/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
When do people say it?
To speak negatively about someone behind their back is described by the phrase falar mal. If the gossip is being shared in a secretive or quiet manner, the verb cochichar (to whisper) is used.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, the phrase dar a letra is a slang way to provide the specific details or the 'inside scoop' of a fofoca.
- The word fofoca shares a phonetic similarity with fofinho, which means 'cuddly' or 'soft'.
- While fofoca can be negative, it is often used affectionately among friends to describe the pleasure of sharing social updates.
Examples in context
- Evite fofocas.Shun gossip.This sentence is a warning to avoid gossip.Tatoeba #9473979 by jvlopes91, translation #8784005 by jimkillock
- Tom adora fofocar.Tom loves to gossip.This sentence describes someone's love for gossiping.Tatoeba #5046345 by bill, translation #3428645 by CK
- A fofoca se espalhou pela escola como um rastilho de pólvora.The gossip spread around the school like wildfire.This sentence illustrates how gossip can spread rapidly.Tatoeba #12230732 by carlosalberto, translation #5272321 by Hybrid
- Joana estava falando mal de Paulo para os outros colegas de trabalho.Joana was gossiping about Paulo to other colleagues at work.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Mariana are talking at a cafe.
- RodrigoVocê ouviu a fofoca sobre o chefe?Did you hear the gossip about the boss?
- MarianaNão, eu não gosto de fofoca.No, I don't like gossip.
- RodrigoMas essa fofoca é muito interessante!But this gossip is very interesting!
- MarianaDesculpe, Rodrigo, mas eu prefiro focar no trabalho.Sorry, Rodrigo, but I prefer to focus on work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gossip” translations and entries fofoca, bisbilhotice, mexerico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
