“流言蜚语”常见的英文表达有 gossip、rumors(美式英语常用,也可写作 rumours,英式英语) 或者 scandalous talk(侧重指带有丑闻性质的流言) 。
gossip:既可作名词,表示“闲话;流言蜚语;八卦消息” ,也可作动词,意为“说长道短;传播流言蜚语” 。例如:Don't believe the gossip you hear.(别相信你听到的那些流言蜚语。)
rumors/rumours:名词,意思是“谣言;传闻;流言蜚语” 。例如:There have been rumors about their breakup.(一直有关于他们分手的流言蜚语。)
scandalous talk:相对更正式一些,强调流言蜚语涉及丑闻或不道德的内容。例如:The town was filled with scandalous talk about the wealthy family.(镇上到处是关于这个富裕家庭的流言蜚语,涉及一些丑闻。)