quidnunc

[ kwid-nuhngk ]

noun

1. a person who is eager to know the latest news and gossip; a gossip or busybody.

quidnunc

/ ˈkwɪdˌnʌŋk /

noun

1. a person eager to learn news and scandal; gossipmonger

Word History and Origins

Origin of quidnunc¹

First recorded in 1700–10, quidnunc is from Latin quid nunc “what now?”

Word History and Origins

Origin of quidnunc¹

C18: from Latin, literally: what now

Example Sentences

“Quid pro quo” can be found under “Q” in the dictionary proper, between “quidnunc” and “quids in.”

From The New Yorker

Quidnunc, kwid′nungk, n. one always on the lookout for news: one who pretends to know all occurrences.

From Project Gutenberg

Alas! capricious fate that governs these things turned my sweet, unconscious Ellen to one forever on the alert for the appearance of this long-legged quidnunc.

From Project Gutenberg

The rest can wait until you tell me what new quidnunc tale was invented to lure you here.”

From Project Gutenberg

“Maggot,” like all Mr. Muldoon’s work, is packed with gnarled and unfamiliar terms: quidnunc, spalpeen, tormentil, mullein.

From New York Times