item

You are correct - saying two people are "an item" does mean that they are in a romantic relationship. I'm not sure of the origin. (At item of gossip, perhaps?) Once you are "an item" you may be seen out together in public, as "a couple."

Thank you.

btw do you guys say "a item of gossip" or "a piece of gossip"?

Probably "a piece" is more common, but either is okay. Also "a juicy tidbit" means "some good gossip."

Hi guys,

Many newspapers used to publish regular gossip columns about prominent people. Some still do. In newpaper jargon, the column was made up of various 'items'. I think that's where the term, 'An item (of gossip)' comes from.

Best wishes, Clive

Or "a bit of gossip".

MrP

KanonathenaRalph and I were an item but were not anymore.

And what about the use of "anymore" in this sentence ?

I'm pretty sure "anylonger" would be better, but is "anymore" still acceptable ?
Was it once considered a fault and nowadays considered as usual speaking ?

Thank you to native speakers for their help !

Jerome

Hi,

Ralph and I were an item but were not anymore.

And what about the use of "anymore" in this sentence ?

I'm pretty sure "anylonger" would be better, but is "anymore" still acceptable ?
Was it once considered a fault and nowadays considered as usual speaking ?

Clive'Anymore' is fine here. It's a much more common expression than 'any longer', although the latter would be OK as well.Thank you.
It makes easier for French people to translate the French "plus", which means either anymore or any longer. Then anymore can be used in all cases.

I remember, 25 years ago, my English teacher explaining th

Notwen

What concerns me about the above sentence is the second use of 'were'.

I guess this were could have been we're !

I suspect you have descsribed the situation exactly.