"I don't gossip. I don't spread rumors. I mind my business." This, said by the person who told you about your neighbor's divorce before the neighbor did. Who knew about your cousin's pregnancy in week two. Who has the CEO's resignation letter before it is typed. The "I don't gossip" person is not just a gossip. They are the primary source. And the framing! "I heard something." Not "I am spreading it." "People are saying." Not "I am one of the people." "I don't know if it's true, but..." followed by detailed verification. The gossip is laundered through disclaimers. The disclaimers are the gossip. But the function! Gossip is information. Gossip is community. Gossip is how Nigerian society self-regulates. The person who "doesn't gossip" is often the person who benefits most from the gossip economy. They receive without giving. They judge without participating. They are the consumer, not the producer. The honest gossips are better. The ones who own it. "Let me tell you what I heard." The transparency is refreshing. The transparency is rare. Most prefer the "I don't gossip" performance with the gossip reality. Are you a gossip, a gossip receiver, or a "I don't gossip" primary source?
