hiss-and-tell

English

Etymology

Blend of hiss +‎ kiss and tell.

Adjective

hiss-and-tell (not comparable)

1. Disclosing private information in a hostile manner.
   • 1989 April 23, Laura Green, “The Washington years: A positive view from inside”, in Chicago Sun-Times:

     But Miller's tale is as notable for what it isn't as for what it is. It is not a hiss-and-tell attempt to settle scores and mold history like Donald Regan's For the Record, a spin-doctored account of his time as President Reagan's chief of staff.

   • 1998 August 12, Rob Hughes, “Spoiled Soccer Fraternity Sets Poor Example: Hoddle Hiss-and-Tell Tells a Tale of Greed”, in The New York Times:

     What is clear from this hiss-and-tell diary is that Hoddle feels immune to any downward glances, any disapproving charge from his bosses at the FA.

   • 2002 June 27, Stan Hochman, “John McEnroe's book provokes strong response from Tatum O'Neal”, in Philadelphia Daily News:

     Maybe that's what this hiss-and-tell book is all about, therapy for McEnroe's battered psyche, a nightmare marriage, a splendid career best remembered for screeching on-court tantrums.

   • For more quotations using this term, see Citations:hiss-and-tell.