scuttlebutt etymology

Etymology:

• "Scuttle" (verb): to throw something overboard
• "Butt" (noun): a large barrel or cask

Meaning:

Scuttlebutt originally referred to a barrel containing drinking water on a ship. It was often the place where sailors gathered to gossip and exchange rumors. Over time, the term came to refer more generally to nautical gossip or idle talk.

Origin:

The exact origin of the term "scuttlebutt" is uncertain, but there are several possible explanations:

• Rum barrels: In the 16th and 17th centuries, rum was stored in wooden barrels called "butts." Sailors would often tap these barrels to get a drink, and it became a common meeting place for gossip.
• Water scuttle: Ships' water tanks were often located in the bottom of the hull and were accessed through a scuttle. Sailors might gather around the scuttle to fill their water bottles and exchange news.
• Butt of jokes: The term "butt" could also refer to a person who is the object of ridicule or mockery. It's possible that sailors used the term "scuttlebutt" to describe someone who was the subject of gossip or jokes.

Regardless of its precise origin, the term "scuttlebutt" has become a common idiom for informal chatter or the exchange of rumors and information.

scuttlebutt relate terms

• bottle

  Etymology The word bottle is derived from the Old French word bouteille which in tu

• scuttle

  Etymology Middle English scutte from Old French escoute from Late Latin excutta f

• gossip

  Etymology Gossip originates from the Middle English word godsib which was derived f

• comment

  Etymology Origin Old French comment from Latin quomodo meaning in what way or

• report

  Etymology Report derives from the Anglo Norman French verb reporter meaning to brin

• porter

  Etymology The word porter has a rich and multi faceted etymology It derives from the f

• hearsay

  Etymology Old English heren gesegen Middle English heresegen Meaning Hearsay is state

• account

  Etymology The word account comes from the Old French word acount which in turn deriv

• talk

  Etymology Talk derives from the Middle English word talen which itself originates fr

• grapevine

• scandal

  Etymology The word scandal comes from the Latin word scandalum which means offense

• rumor

  Etymology The word rumor originates from the Latin word rumor which means noise d