Jackspeak of the Royal Canadian Navy

Scuttle-butt

Rumours or gossip. The origin of the term is literally a scuttled butt, or breached cask, which was usually lashed on the deck. It was used to contain the fresh water for daily use, and sailors met there to draw water and exchange gossip.

Added: 2014-11-01 Last modified: 2014-11-01