Scuttlebutt

/ˈskʌt.əl.bʌt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A rumor or a piece of gossip.

The scuttlebutt around the office is that there will be layoffs soon.

A drink cooler or water barrel on a ship, historically used for sailors to gather and share news.

After the long watch, the crew gathered around the scuttlebutt to exchange stories and rumors.

From nautical slang; scuttle refers to a hole in the ship, and butt refers to a cask.

scuttlebutt network

A network of informal communication or gossip.

the scuttlebutt is

An expression used to introduce a rumor or news.

to spread scuttlebutt

To pass on rumors or gossip.

gossip

Casual or informal conversation about other people's affairs.

rumor

A currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.

Heard through unofficial channels.

I heard the scuttlebutt, but I'm not sure how true it is.

Insider information.

The scuttlebutt from the board meeting is that there will be layoffs.