Rumors are the earliest form of communication, and are incredibly common. In fact, a rumor may be as old as human civilization. People often spread rumors as a way to deal with anxiety or uncertainty. They provide a rationale for their behavior and often have significant implications. Rumors can be broadly categorized into hoped for and feared consequences, and there are fine distinctions within these categories.
Various types of rumors can be categorized as partisan and nonpartisan. Among other types, partisan rumor may involve statements that have questionable veracity. Some rumors, such as rumors about a weapon of mass destruction, may be merely false but appeal to many audiences. The social context of the rumor may also play a role. Rumors can spread quickly, especially in highly-developed electronic mediated societies.
There are several different kinds of rumors. Rumors may be true, false, or semi-true, depending on the source of the information. The origin of the word rumor is Latin. The English language has many varieties, and the word rumour is the most common in British English. Rumours have various uses, but the main purpose is to stimulate laughter. It may be a source of entertainment, as it often refers to an upcoming movie, music release, or even a celebrity’s new job.