scuttlebutt
Scuttlebutt (noun) means Gossip or informal rumour. Example: “The scuttlebutt around the office was that layoffs were coming.”
How to use scuttlebutt
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInformal word for gossip or rumour — much like "water cooler talk."
Informal, American in flavour, and often used slightly playfully.
Word forms
scuttlebutted past tense, scuttlebutts plural, scuttlebutts singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ around the office was that layoffs were coming.
Etymology
From scuttle ("to cut a hole in") + butt ("wooden cask"). Sailors gathered around the ship's water cask to drink and gossip, similar to the modern "water cooler talk."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “scuttlebutt” mean?
The word “scuttlebutt” means gossip or informal rumour. In plain terms, informal word for gossip or rumour — much like "water cooler talk.".
How do you pronounce “scuttlebutt”?
“Scuttlebutt” is pronounced SKUH-tuhl-buht (/ˈskʌtəlˌbʌt/ in IPA).
How do you use “scuttlebutt” in a sentence?
Here is “scuttlebutt” used in a sentence: “The scuttlebutt around the office was that layoffs were coming.”
What part of speech is “scuttlebutt”?
“Scuttlebutt” is a noun.
How many meanings does “scuttlebutt” have?
“Scuttlebutt” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: gossip or informal rumour.