Word of the Day: ‘SCUTTLEBUTT’
 

Pronunciation

scut·tle·butt  /ˈskʌt.əl.bʌt/

Meaning

Scuttlebutt means gossip, rumours, or informal talk, especially news or chatter that spreads from person to person.

Origin

The word comes from the naval world, specifically:

Scuttle: A hole or opening (often in a ship's deck).

Butt: A large cask or barrel used for storing water or other liquids.

Put together, a scuttlebutt means a barrel of drinking water on a ship, typically with a hole (scuttle) cut into it so sailors could dip their mugs or cups.

History

On ships, sailors would gather around the scuttlebutt to drink water and chat. Naturally, this spot became a hub for sharing news, gossip, and stories.

Over time, the term scuttlebutt shifted in meaning from the literal water barrel to the talk and rumours exchanged around it.

The term became part of US Navy slang in the 19th century and gradually entered the English language.

Examples from books and articles

  • We arrived home to a very special heroes’ welcome: the town had been starving outright for good scuttlebutt. – The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
  • Just as the scuttlebutt had it, we men of the First Marine Amphibious Corps were heading for the Solomons to force a landing on Bougainville – Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac

Synonyms

  • Gossip
  • Rumour
  • Hearsay
  • Whispers
  • Chatter