scuttlebutt
SKUT-uhl-but
/ˈskʌtəlbʌt/
Rumor or gossip.
Scuttlebutt carries a slightly playful, informal tone, often used in office or organizational settings to describe casual chatter about company politics or colleagues.
The story behind the word. In the early 19th century, a 'scuttlebutt' was a wooden cask of drinking water on a ship (a 'butt' that had been 'scuttled' or holed so sailors could dip into it). Sailors gathered around it to drink and exchange news, making it the maritime ancestor of the modern office water cooler.
Word relationships
- gossip: Gossip is a broad term, while scuttlebutt has a distinct nautical flavor and often refers to organizational or community rumors.
- official announcement: An official announcement is formal and verified, whereas scuttlebutt is informal and unverified.
Commonly confused with
- chatter: Chatter is rapid, trivial talk that may not contain any specific rumors, while scuttlebutt specifically refers to gossip and news.
Collocations
- office scuttlebutt
- latest scuttlebutt
Example sentences
- "According to the latest office scuttlebutt, the company is planning to merge with its chief competitor next quarter." Office environment
Memory hook
Imagine sailors standing around a 'butt' (barrel) of water, whispering secrets. The ship's water barrel where secrets are spilled.
When not to use
Avoid using this in highly formal legal documents or serious academic writing.
Fun facts
- The term is still used in the US Navy today to refer to both a drinking fountain and the rumors shared around it.
Explore more words
disclosure, squabble, Garrulous, upbeat, mutter, unsubstantiated
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