The term “gossip” in The Merchant of Venice could have many meanings, but they have chosen to use it in a specific context. One of the definitions in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defined it as, “to act as a gossip, or familiar acquaintance; to take part (in a feast), be a boon-companion; to make oneself at home.” Shakespeare clearly did not mean for his usage of the word to be interpreted as such. It falls more in relation with two of the OED’s other definitions. One stating gossip as, “the conversation of such a person; idle talk; trifling or groundless rumour; tittle-tattle. Also, in a more favourable sense: Easy, unrestrained talk or writing, esp. about persons or social incidents.” One can easily see how this definition could fit in with Shakespeare’s script when Salerio says, “Why, yet it lives there unchecked that Antonio hath….as they say, if my gossip report, be an honest woman of her word,” (3.1.2-8). He is clearly receiving news from a woman whose words could be false, but that is the chance we take when we engage in gossip. As you read along further it is made clear that there must be something more to the term gossip in this context through Solanio’s response to Salerio stating, “I would she were as lying a gossip in that, as ever knapped ginger, or made her neighbours believe she wept for the death of a third husband,” (3.1.9-11). In this context it can be noted that the term gossip no longer seems to describe a type of conversation, but is actually a term being used to define the woman. Which leads me to believe that Shakespeare intended for the term to fit with the OED’s definition of gossip as follows, “A person, mostly a woman, of light and trifling character, esp. one who delights in idle talk; a newsmonger, a tattler.” It appears to me that he wanted to use the word in this sense to portray woman as more devious and meddling. He demonstrates this idea that women are unnecessary troublemakers throughout the play again when Portia and Nerissa go to Venice to spy on their husbands and meddle in their lives. He was able to save them a little face by enabling Portia’s character to help Bassanio’s friends, but she was only able to do so disguised as a man and quickly drops her from her pedestal once more when she asked for the ring in payment knowing Bassanio gave an oath to never give it away. Shakespeare’s opposition toward women in his writing is not discreet whatsoever. The social practice of placing women below men is distinctly laid out numerous times. Another time this can be seen is through the poor fate of Portia. She is not one to bite her tongue when it comes to expressing her woes, especially when explaining to Nerissa, “But this reasoning is not in the fashion to choose me a husband. O me, the word ‘choose!’ I may neither choose whom I would nor refuse whom I dislike; so is the will of a living daughter curbed by the will of a dead father,” (1.2.21-25). All of her complaints are just idle talk seeing as there is no changing her father’s will and she to falls under the definition to be described as a “gossip.” It is interesting to see how Shakespeare uses the term ”gossip” in its noun form rather than a verb like most people tend to do in modern society.