Everything Everywhere Daily · Sunday, August 30, 2026
The term 'scuttlebutt,' now meaning gossip or rumors, originates from the water cask found on ships. 'Scuttle' meant to make a hole, so a 'scuttlebutt' was a barrel with a hole for drinking water. These barrels also served as gathering spots for sailors to exchange news.
“On sailing vessels, the butt was the large barrel or cask that held the water supply, and scuttle means to make a hole in something.”
“The scuttlebutt was also a good gathering place where sailors would congregate, take a break, and exchange news or gossip.”
“As a result, scuttlebutt became associated not only with the water cask itself but also with the informal exchange of rumors and information that happened around it.”