The word "scuttle" is spelled with the consonants /s/ and /t/ and the vowels /ʌ/ and /ə/. The first syllable contains the short vowel sound /ʌ/ and the final syllable contains the schwa sound /ə/. In IPA phonetic transcription, this word is represented as /ˈskʌt.əl/. "Scuttle" can mean several different things, from a small hatch or opening on a ship to a quick and hurried movement. It is important to spell words correctly in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion.
Scuttle is a verb defined as the act of moving with quick, hurried steps, typically with a low, scrambling gait. It refers to a short, hurried run or shuffle, often done in a nervous or anxious manner. In an animal context, scuttle can also describe how certain creatures, like crabs or insects, move swiftly sideways with a scurrying motion.
The term scuttle can also carry a nautical meaning, particularly referring to a sudden, quick movement or evasive action made by a ship. In this context, scuttle is commonly used to describe deliberate actions taken to intentionally sink a ship, usually by creating holes or openings in it, leading to its rapid submersion.
Additionally, scuttle can be used as a noun to refer to a small open container with a handle, traditionally used for carrying coal or serving food on board ships. It is typically made of metal, with a low, flat shape and a handle on either side.
Furthermore, scuttle can be employed metaphorically to describe the act of ruining or sabotaging something, often through secretive or destructive means. In this sense, scuttle conveys the idea of causing deliberate harm, damage, or destruction to a plan, project, or endeavor.
• A broad shallow basket; a metal pan or pail for holding coals.
• In ships, a small hatchway or opening in the deck; a square hole in a roof with a movable cover.
• To cut holes in the bottom, the sides, or deck of a ship or boat for any purpose, generally for sinking her.
• To run with precipitation; to hurry furtively away.
• A running with affected haste; a quick bustling run.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "scuttle" originated from the Middle English word "skottel", which was derived from the Old Norse word "skutill" meaning "a plate or bowl". In the late Middle English period, the word "scuttle" referred to a shallow basket or container used for carrying coal. Over time, its meaning expanded to include a container for carrying coal or other items on ships. Additionally, "scuttle" came to be associated with the act of rushing or running hurriedly, likely because it conveyed the idea of carrying coal quickly. Presently, the term "scuttle" is used to denote various actions, from moving or fleeing in a hurry to deliberately damaging or sabotaging something.