Even in war, there are rules of engagement that must rightly be observed.  Gossip is simply, "A War With Words".

Always remember this.  Before speaking or passing on questionable information about another person, tell something very awkward or incriminating about yourself first.  Then, invite the person to whom you are speaking, to pass on that "minor tid-bit" as well.

That way, we can have absolute freedom in saying as many unkind things about one and other as we like ... that is of course, if we still think that we feel like saying it.