Definition

Noun: 1. Rumor or gossip; informal, often sensational, talk or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as true. This word specifically refers to the kind of casual, often secretive, conversation where stories and personal information are shared, frequently in a way that may be harmful or unverified.

Usage

The word "scuttlebutt" is used to refer to the general flow of rumors and unofficial news, especially within a closed community like an office, a neighborhood, or a social group. It implies information that is passed from person to person, not through official channels.

Examples

• Noun:
  • I don't pay attention to the office scuttlebutt; I prefer to get my information from the boss directly.
  • According to the latest scuttlebutt, the company is planning to open a new branch downtown.
  • The scuttlebutt about their breakup turned out to be completely false.

Advanced Usage

• "the scuttlebutt has it that...": A common phrase used to introduce a piece of gossip or rumor.
  • The scuttlebutt has it that the manager is going to resign next month.

Word Origin and Variants

• Origin: The term comes from nautical slang. On sailing ships, the "scuttlebutt" was a cask of drinking water with a hole (scuttle) cut into it. Sailors would gather around it for a drink, and it became a natural place for them to exchange gossip and rumors, much like a modern water cooler.
• Related Concept: Watercooler gossip is a modern, land-based equivalent, referring to the informal conversations and rumor-sharing that happen when colleagues meet at the office water cooler.

Synonyms

• Gossip: Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as true.
• Rumor: A currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.
• Hearsay: Information received from other people that one cannot adequately substantiate; rumor.
• Talk: Rumors or gossip.

Idioms and Phrases

• To be the subject of scuttlebutt: To be the person that people are gossiping about.
  • Ever since the promotion was announced, she has been the subject of a lot of scuttlebutt.

Noun

1. a report (often malicious) about the behavior of other people
   • the divorce caused much gossip