chismoso
/t͡ʃisˈmoso/
The English word tattletale is translated into Spanish as chismoso.
chismoso refers to one who tattles. While the English term tattletale often implies a child telling on someone, chismoso can also refer to an adult who enjoys spreading rumors or gossip.
Meaning: one who tattles (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, chismoso(a) is more commonly used to describe a tattletale than in other Spanish-speaking countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes its ending to chismosa when referring to a female. The plural form for a group of males or a mixed-gender group is chismosos.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃisˈmoso/
Did you know?
- In Spain, a person who loves gossip might be called a cotilla instead of a chismosa, using a word that originally referred to a type of 'petticoat'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, el chisme is not just a negative act but a complex social tool used to build bonds and maintain community networks.
- While chismoso is common, calling someone a metiche is a much stronger way to call them a 'meddler' or a 'nosy person' in Mexico.
Examples in context
- No seas un delator, respeta la privacidad de los demás.Don't be a tattletale, respect others' privacy.
- No le cuentes a Pedro, siempre es un chismoso.Don't tell Pedro, he's always a tattletale.
- ¡No seas bocón(a)! ¿Por qué le dijiste a mamá lo que pasó?Don't be a tattletale! Why did you tell mom what happened?
- No seas sapo(a), déjalos resolver sus problemas por sí mismos.Don't be a tattletale, let them solve their problems on their own.
- ¡No seas chismoso!Don't be a tattletale!
- No seas un chismoso.Don't be a tattletale.
- Ese niño es un chismoso.That boy is a tattletale.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking about a classmate in the park.
- Lucía¿Viste que Juan le dijo todo al profesor?Did you see that Juan told the teacher everything?
- MateoSí, es un chismoso.Yes, he is a tattletale.
- LucíaNadie quiere jugar con él.Nobody wants to play with him.
- MateoEs verdad, no es confiable.It's true, he is not reliable.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chismoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
