A response to gossip

[Norwegianbea]

Hello,
Does anyone know of a Wildean/Mae West-style put down that can be used in the face of gossip? Not 'there's only one thing worse than being talked about...' but something more cutting and perhaps less well-known?
Anything would be great!
Thanks, NB

[carmalee]

When someone is gossiping you can always cut in with 'and I suppose you're able to sell the family parrot to the town gossip ?'

[4winds]

Gossip is always a personal confession either of malice or imbecility!-----Josiah Gilbert Holland


or something more concise ----

Gossip is simply halitosis of the mind !

[carmalee]

think it's a Spanish proverb which goes 'someone who gossips with you will also gossip about you'. Or, gossiping is similar to pointing a finger, just remember, when you do that there are three fingers pointing back at yourself.

[scotman]

you might find something at www.brainyquote.com

[fredpuli47]

How about the World War II government warning " Careless talk costs lives". ? They might think you've got mafia connections!

[heathfield]

First Person (Confidential tone) ''Can you keep a secret?''

Second Person (Suddenly interested) ''Why, yes, of course!''

First Person ''Good.....So can I'' (Exits stage right)

[Norwegianbea]

Lovely! Thank you very much! NB

[fredpuli47]

Folowing on from the last answer, a French writer, de la Rochefoucauld, asked why we expect others to keep a secret when, patently, we can't keep it ourselves !

[Seafarer1966]

The following has worked for me in the past. Just say to the offending person(s):

People who are obsessed with other peoples lives haven't got one.

[kittcarson49]

aaah sure when there finished talking about me they will talk about someone else