verb

engage in gossip.

they would start gossiping about her as soon as she left

spread rumours,spread gossip,circulate rumours,spread stories,tittle-tattle,tattle,talk,whisper,tell tales,muckrake,dish the dirt,spill the tea,skinder,bruit something abroad/about,chat,converse,speak to each other,discuss things,have a talk,have a chat,have a tête-à-tête,have a conversation,engage in conversation,gas,have a confab,chew the fat/rag,jaw,rap,yak,yap,natter,have a chinwag,chinwag,shoot the breeze,visit,mag,confabulate