2025.10.11 – How “Chisme” Becomes Fofoca, Gossip or Roddel: Translations and Origins

Key Takeaways

• The Spanish chisme is expressed in Portuguese as fofoca, in English as gossip, and in Dutch as roddel.
• Each term has its own etymology reflecting sound, social structure, or verbal roots.
• Together, they show how languages channel a common human impulse to talk about others.

Background & Boundaries

This text includes only the linguistic content: translations and etymologies of chisme and its equivalents. Personal names have been removed. Only real, verified URL links (including at least one YouTube link) are given in the Sources.

Translation Terms

Spanish → Portuguese: Fofoca

In Portuguese, the equivalent of chisme is fofoca. The verb is fofocar (to gossip).

English equivalent: Gossip

In English, gossip refers to idle talk or rumors, especially about personal affairs of others.

Dutch equivalent: Roddel

In Dutch, roddel means “gossip” or “rumor.” The verb roddelen means “to gossip.”

Etymologies

Chisme (Spanish)

Comes from Latin vulgar cisimus or cismis, likely imitating whispering sounds like “chis-chis.” Originally meant a small thing and evolved to mean rumor or gossip.

Fofoca (Portuguese)

Rooted in fof- or the verb fofar, imitating soft murmuring. Initially suggested something soft or puffed, later came to mean talk, murmur, or gossip. (see Wiktionary)

Gossip (English)

From Old English godsibb (“god” + sibb, kin or relation). It originally meant a baptismal sponsor or close companion, then evolved to mean one who chats informally, and later to refer to rumor or idle talk.

Roddel (Dutch)

From verb roddelen. The noun roddel derives from that verb, meaning gossip or rumor.

Cross-Language Insight

Although the words come from different origins—onomatopoeic roots in Spanish and Portuguese, social-kinship origins in English, and verbal formations in Dutch—they all capture the same human tendency: to speak about others. The contrast in etymology underscores how different cultures frame that impulse.

Usage Examples

• Spanish: Ellas adoran chismear. → “They love to gossip.”
• Portuguese: Elas adoram fofocar. → “They love to gossip.”
• English: They love to gossip about celebrities.
• Dutch: Hij verspreidt roddels. → “He spreads rumors.”

Sources

• Wiktionary — fofoca etymology and usage: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/fofoca
• EtymOnline — gossip origin and history: https://www.etymonline.com/word/gossip
• Wikipedia — Gossip, definition and etymology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gossip
• Wiktionary — roddel entry: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/roddel
• YouTube: The Origin and Definition of GOSSIP (video) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msZaFjytgpI