Marites (also spelled Maritess) [1] is a Filipino slang term for a women who gossips or takes an unusual interest in other people's private lives. [2] [3] It is often used to refer to nosy neighbors or individuals who spread rumors or chismis, both offline and on social media. [4] The term is popularly believed to be derived from the colloquial phrase "Mare, ano ang latest?" ("Sis, what's the latest?"), reflecting its association with gossip and information-sharing. It also coincides with the slang as a common Filipino female nickname, often linked to Maria Teresa, which contributed to its familiarity and widespread adoption in popular culture. [3]
Gossip has been an integral part of Philippine social life, often called chismis from Spanish. [5] It traditionally spread through barangays, homes, and community spaces, serving to share news and maintain social connections.
The term "Marites" became popular in the early 2020s, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people spent more time online. Gossip spread fast on sites like Facebook, TikTok, and X, and the phrase "Manahimik ka, Marites" ("Be quiet, Marites) was used to tell someone to stop meddling or spreading rumors. [6]
A Marites is someone who pays close attention to what is happening around them, especially other people's business. [2] They are usually chatty, curious, and quick to share news, whether in the neighborhood or online. People also use the term in a playful way—for example, a casual gossip meet-up with friends might be called a "marites session". [2]
Cultural commentary notes that gossip in Philippine society has long served as a form of social communication and community bonding, particularly at the local level. [5] The stereotype of gossiping as merely "being a woman's habit" reflects the reality of systemic low regard and subjectivity for women in general. [4]
Critics argue that Marites can disproportionately target women, LGBTQ people individuals, and other marginalized groups, contributing to slut-shaming, moral policing, and online harassment. [4]
Marites is sometimes compared to the American slang or pejorative term Karen, but the two are not the same. [7] A Karen usually describes someone seen as entitled or confrontational, while a Marites is someone who spreads gossip and rumors. Both names highlight behaviors that can be socially annoying, but they come from very different cultural situations. [6]