Rumours - gossip
a piece of news or a story passed from person to person, which may not be true

Gossip Chains

• Most rumors start out as simple gossip. Typically, a rumor does not begin with malicious intent, but instead as a form of speculation. Many people will make blanket statements about what they think has occurred in a given situation. This is then passed on. "Stacy thinks that Roger will get the job." Although Stacy likely has no authority on the situation and her statement was made in speculation alone, the rumor mill has started, and before long, it is well known that Roger is getting the job whether he has applied for the position or not.

Read more: How Does a Rumor Spread? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4779867_a-rumor-spread.html#ixzz1dqTcIqFY

Rumours

Dictionary.com defines a rumor as "a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts." When a rumor is told about you, regardless of the nature of the report your response should be the same: a calm, well-thought-out plan of action. Remember that after a rumor is started, your reaction could cause it to spread further.