Kum

[R. M. Cleminson]

"Gossip" is etymologically god-sib, i.e. means the same in relation to sib(ling) as godfather to father, goddaughter to daughter, etc., and is applicable to either man or woman.  Therefore it would be perfect if we were in the early sixteenth century, but we're in the early twentieth, by which time the word had completely changed its meaning, so it's no use at all.

The semantics of "кум", outside its literal sense, are extremely complex, and vary according to context.  (Anyone looking for a PhD topic?  We'd be grateful.)  I don't blame you for giving up.

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