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scuttlebutt is another word for gossip, spreading those juicy rumors. The direct decedent of this word is the water cooler, where people used to gather to swap good tid bits of information. And bad ones of course.

A 'butt' is a barrel and was used on board sailing ships. To give sailors some water breaks, a hole or 'scuttle' was cut into the top of one of the water barrels and they could stop, pickup the dipper and take a drink. From the habit of all people to gossip when given the slightest chance, this word, Scuttlebutt, became associated with sharing tales and we have it today.

Oh, and if y ou think about it, 'scuttle' as in to scuttle a ship, comes from knocking a hole in the bottom of course. Now, where does the word GOSSIP come from? Ha! I will tell you next time.

Until then, may the blue bird of happiness fly up your nose.