Gossiping is fundamental to being hurparv ^d4 lhi% is. what separates us from animals, claims a social psychologist.

While speaking at British Science Festival, Dr Nicholas Emler, from University of Surrey said it was fundamental to being human and gossiping was the reason we developed our unique ability to talk.

Despite its "dismal reputation" , gossiping has allowed people to build far bigger, richer and complex societies than other creatures.