scuttlebutt

[ skuht-l-buht ]

noun

1. Nautical.
   1. an open cask of drinking water.
   2. a drinking fountain for use by the crew of a vessel.
2. Informal. rumor or gossip.

scuttlebutt

/ ˈskʌtəlˌbʌt /

noun

1. a drinking fountain
2. (formerly) a cask of drinking water aboard a ship
3. slang.
   rumour or gossip

Word History and Origins

Origin of scuttlebutt¹

1795–1805; 1900–05 scuttlebutt fordef 2; scuttle ¹ + butt ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of scuttlebutt¹

C19: from scuttle ³ + butt ⁴

Example Sentences

To the millions who greedily gobbled up scuttlebutt about her legendary meanness over the years, this is far from a news flash.

From Salon

The scuttlebutt is all doom and gloom, following the nature of this streaky team — when they’re on, they can carve their way through a month of the schedule without a regulation loss.

From Seattle Times

The show paired the expected scuttlebutt around marriage matches, clandestine rendezvous and heartbreak with a modernist take on the elite set of 19th century England.

From Los Angeles Times

The leaguewide scuttlebutt was whether the Packers would blow up their roster after what was clearly a lost season and part ways with Aaron Rodgers.

From Seattle Times

I’ve heard scuttlebutt from the donor community, some of whom are reportedly miffed to have their microscopically printed names out of circulation.

From Washington Post