Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society The Power of Medieval Gossip
Jul 8, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Eleanor Janega, a medieval historian and co-host of the Gone Medieval podcast, dives into the intriguing world of medieval gossip. She reveals how women used gossip as a powerful social tool while discussing its negative perceptions over time. Eleanor humorously contrasts the different roles men and women played in gossip dynamics, highlighting the unique challenges women faced. The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of gossip and its impact on friendships and societal change during the medieval period.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Reputation as Tangible Object
- Medieval people saw reputation as a tangible object that could be damaged through gossip.
- Reputation was crucial for business and social dealings in a world without digital background checks.
Gossip as Sinful Speech
- Gossip was condemned as the "sins of the tongue" in medieval religious teachings.
- Art and punishment reflected this, showing gossips suffering ironic hellish fates tied to their speech.
Origins of 'Gossip' Term
- The English word "gossip" originally meant "god-sib," referring to close kin or godparents.
- Over time, it shifted from a term of affection to a negative label, especially linked to women.
