The Spanish word 'chisme' (meaning 'gossip' or 'rumor') has an interesting etymology that traces back to ancient Greek through Latin. It comes from the Latin word 'schisma', which meant 'division' or 'separation'. This Latin word was itself borrowed from the Greek 'σχίσμα' (skhisma), which also meant 'division' or 'separation'. The semantic evolution from 'division/separation' to 'gossip' makes sense when you consider how rumors and gossip often create divisions between people or arise from social divisions in a community.

While 'chisme' itself is a relatively common Spanish word, there aren't many simpler or more common Spanish words that share its exact etymology. However, Spanish speakers might encounter 'chismoso/a' (gossiper) and 'chismear' (to gossip) as related forms of the word.

English speakers might recognize the connection to the word 'schism', which comes from the same Greek and Latin roots. While 'chisme' evolved to refer to gossip that can divide people, the English 'schism' retained the original meaning of a formal division or split, especially in the context of organizations or religious groups. This connection can help English speakers remember that 'chisme' often involves information that creates social divisions.