Verbo (verb)
/kotiˈʎeaɾ/
The verb "cotillear" is commonly used in colloquial Spanish to refer to the act of gossiping or talking about the personal life of others, usually in a casual or trivial manner. It suggests an element of curiosity or nosiness, often involving rumors or juicy details. "Cotillear" can apply in both oral and written contexts, although it is more frequently found in spoken language due to its informal nature.
Cotillear is a common term in everyday conversation, particularly in social settings where people share news or updates about friends, family, or celebrities.
Yesterday, I was gossiping about the rumors of Ana's new boyfriend.
No me gusta cotillear, pero todos hablan de lo que pasó en la fiesta.
I don’t like to gossip, but everyone is talking about what happened at the party.
Siempre hay alguien en la oficina que disfruta cotilleando sobre los demás.
Cotillear is often included in various idiomatic expressions that emphasize gossiping or prying into others' affairs. Here are some examples:
She spends all her time gossiping like a parrot; she can't keep a secret.
Cotillear a espaldas de alguien
It's not right to gossip behind someone's back; that can hurt their feelings.
Cotillear entre cuatro paredes
The best secrets are shared when gossiping behind closed doors.
No se debe cotillear sin pruebas
The term "cotillear" comes from the Spanish noun "cotillo", which originally referred to a gossip or a rumor. Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word "cotīllum" meaning "a little cloth," possibly alluding to the act of wrapping and sharing tales or news. Over time, "cotillear" evolved to mean the act of sharing gossip in informal settings.