scandalmongers
Those spreading dirt
Scandalmongers are people who spread gossip and rumors, especially malicious or embarrassing information about others.
The term carries disapproval—scandalmongers don't just repeat what they hear but actively traffic in it, often embellishing for effect: The tabloids are run by scandalmongers who don't care whose reputation they destroy.
One who reveals secrets
- talebearerOne who spreads rumors
- blabbermouthOne who reveals secrets
- busybodyIntrusive meddler
- newsmongerSpreader of idle talk
yenta · whisperer · gossiper · meddler · snoop · eavesdropper · informant · leaker
One who defames
- libelerOne who publishes defamation
- defamerOne who slanders others
- smearSpread or defame
- vilificationAbusive condemnation of someone
calumny · aspersion · denigration · disparagement · backbiter · traducer · muckraker · poison pen
Sensational gossip newspapers
- yellow journalismReporting prioritizing shock value
- clickbaitSensationalized content for traffic
- exaggerationOverstating beyond reality
- hyperboleRhetorical extreme exaggeration
muckraking · exposé · scoop · hype · titillation · exploitation · infotainment · paparazzi
Meaning to do harm
- spitefulWanting to hurt others
- vindictiveSeeking harm from resentment
- mean-spiritedUnkind in a petty way
- cattySlyly spiteful
venomous · vicious · toxic · nasty · rancorous · ill-intentioned · gleeful · schadenfreude
Crafty and calculating
- plottingDevising a secret plan
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- cabalScheming political faction
double-dealing · manipulation · Machiavellian · court gossip · palace intrigue · power play · whispering campaign · behind-the-scenes
tattler
One who reveals secrets
- talebearerOne who spreads rumors
- blabbermouthOne who reveals secrets
- busybodyIntrusive meddler
newsmonger · yenta · whisperer · gossiper · meddler · snoop · eavesdropper · informant · leaker · chatterbox
slanderer
One who defames
vilification · calumny · aspersion · denigration · disparagement · backbiter · traducer · muckraker · poison pen · hatchet job
tabloids
Sensational gossip newspapers
- yellow journalismReporting prioritizing shock value
- clickbaitSensationalized content for traffic
- exaggerationOverstating beyond reality
hyperbole · muckraking · exposé · scoop · hype · titillation · exploitation · infotainment · paparazzi · tell-all
malicious
Meaning to do harm
- spitefulWanting to hurt others
- vindictiveSeeking harm from resentment
- mean-spiritedUnkind in a petty way
catty · venomous · vicious · toxic · nasty · rancorous · ill-intentioned · gleeful · schadenfreude · cruel
scheming
Crafty and calculating
- plottingDevising a secret plan
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
cabal · double-dealing · manipulation · Machiavellian · court gossip · palace intrigue · power play · whispering campaign · behind-the-scenes · backroom
scandalmongerscharacter witnesses
Those attesting to reputation
advocates · supporters · protectors · defenders · champions