scuttlebutt

Scuttlebutt means water fountain^[1] or, in Navy slang, a rumour or gossip.^[2]

The term is identical to the iconic colloquial concept of a water cooler in an office setting, that at regular times becomes the locus of congregation and casual discussion. 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in a scuttled butt: a butt (cask or small barrel) which had been scuttled by making a hole in it so the water could be withdrawn.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 rumours.^[3]

Competition

Hoisting the scuttlebutt is an event that sea scouts participate in regattas such as the Old Salts Regatta. 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 runs per crew, and the crew with the fastest time wins. Disqualification can occur when water is spilled or if crew other than the coxswain (and sometimes the barrel hitchers) talk. A run under a minute is generally considered good, though times much lower than this have been seen in competition. ^[4]

History

This event is based on activities that crews used to have to do on ships very frequently. Water or other goods such as cargo would be stored in stores under the deck. A tripod would be put up on the deck over a hole, and the cargo lifted up out of the stores. The modern event is based on this practice.

See also

Look up scuttlebutt in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

• Water cooler
• Furphy, WW1 Australian Army slang same meaning and similar provenance as above.

References

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