By Alonzo Kittrels
The Philadelphia Tribune
https://www.phillytrib.com/
There could have been two, three, or even four, but there is little doubt that there was at least one. I am referring to little old ladies that generally sat in second floor windows to observe the activities occurring in their neighborhoods. Some, however, sat on their stoops or porches to carry out their mission. The seasoned observers made every attempt to locate and perch themselves in windows that had a front glass and two side glass panes, typically angled outward. These windows, called bay or bow windows, extended outward from the building to create a nook or alcove within the room. For these little old ladies, such windows provided a wider view of the neighborhood activities. So who is this person that sat in windows or other strategic places and is the focus of this column? This was the infamous busybody, so named and known by almost everyone in the neighborhood, back in the day.
For those unfamiliar with the busybody, let me provide some helpful information. According to Merriam-Webster, a busybody is “a person who is too interested in the private lives of other people.” It also defines a busybody as a person who “meddles in the affairs of others.” Essentially, a busybody is someone who interferes in other people’s business, often out of curiosity or nosiness. This person is characterized by their tendency to pry into the lives of others and offer unsolicited opinions or advice. Webster also states that busybodies are more concerned with the lives of others than with their own. This interest in other people’s affairs can sometimes lead to gossip or spreading of potentially harmful information. In summary, the term “busybody” is generally used in a negative way to describe someone who is considered intrusive or annoying.
