Scuttlebutt in nautical terminology is a water fountain or water cask on a ship. It is now more commonly used as slang for "information" or "gossip". It also is the name of a competitive event at many Sea Scout regattas.
As Slang
Water for immediate consumption on a sailing ship was conventionally stored in a scuttled butt: a butt (cask or small barrel) which had been scuttled by making a hole in it so the water could be withdrawn. Since sailors exchanged gossip when they gathered at the scuttlebutt for a drink of water, scuttlebutt became Navy slang for gossip or rumors.
Regatta Event
In the United States, Sea Scout regattas include a variety of events, one of which is scuttle butt, or formally "Raising of the Scuttlebutt." In the event a 50 gallon drum of water is lifted 3 feet off the ground using a block and tackle and a tripod. The tripod is constructed from three spars, which are tied together by "head-lashing." The block and tackle is suspended from the top of the tripod, which is then erected by the crew. A barrel hitch is tied around the drum, which is then lifted off the ground. It must then be lowered and the equipment "broken down" back to its original condition. Time stops when all crew members are back in line and called to attention by the coxswain. There are three trials per crew, and the crew with the fastest time wins. The event can be completed from start to finish in around 30 seconds with a veteran crew and a perfect run. A run under a minute is general considered good.
See also
- Scuttlebutt digest of yacht
- Water cooler and Furphy WW1 Australian Army slang same meaning and provenance as above; also in general use (somewhat arcane now)
