Final answer:
The statement in question is a hyperbole, exaggerating the idea that cities are the only source of gossip for small-town residents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The expression 'The only place to get gossip is the city when you live in a small town' is a hyperbole, which is a figure of speech that involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis. This hyperbole implies that small towns lack the excitement or the variety of stories that are found in cities, thus exaggerating the notion that cities are the sole hubs of interesting gossip. While it's true that cities may offer more anonymity and thus a broader range of topics for gossip, small towns often have their own rich tapestry of community stories and local news.