Word of the Day is Scuttlebutt

The Mathrubhumi newspaper is published in India, and their Word of the Day is Scuttlebutt:

Pronunciation
scut·tle·butt /ˈskʌt.əl.bʌt/

Meaning
Scuttlebutt means gossip, rumors, or informal talk, especially news or chatter that spreads from person to person.

Origin
The word comes from the naval world, specifically:

• Scuttle: A hole or opening (often in a ship’s deck).
•Butt: A large cask or barrel used for storing water or other liquids.

Put together, a scuttlebutt means a barrel of drinking water on a ship, typically with a hole (scuttle) cut into it so sailors could dip their mugs or cups.

History
On ships, sailors would gather around the scuttlebutt to drink water and chat. Naturally, this spot became a hub for sharing news, gossip, and stories. Over time, the term scuttlebutt shifted in meaning from the literal water barrel to the talk and rumors exchanged around it. The term became part of US Navy slang in the 19th century and gradually entered the English language.

Synonyms
• Gossip
• Rumor
• Hearsay
• Whispers
• Chatter
• (a sailing news publication launched in 1997)