The spelling of the word "scuttles" follows the general pronunciation rule of English that every vowel has to be pronounced. Its IPA phonetic transcription, /ˈskʌtəlz/, shows that the "t" is pronounced after "u" and the final "e" signifies that the preceding vowel "i" is not silent. "Scuttles" is a plural noun derived from the verb "scuttle," meaning to run in a hurried and hasty manner. It may refer to small openings in a ship's deck or access holes in a roof or ceiling.
Scuttles can refer to a noun or verb with different meanings depending on the context. As a noun, scuttles typically refers to a type of small opening or hatchway in a ship or building. It is often located near the waterline of a vessel, used for various purposes such as gaining access to the outside, or for ventilation. In ships, scuttles may also serve as an emergency exit or for drainage purposes. When pertaining to buildings, scuttles can be used for entering or exiting rooftops, or as a means to provide access for maintenance or repair work.
As a verb, scuttles can have several interpretations. It can mean to hastily run or move with short, quick steps, often indicating a sense of urgency or fear. For example, "She scuttled away from the scene before anyone noticed." Scuttles can also mean to deliberately sink a ship or vessel by intentionally creating holes or openings in it, typically in an act of destruction or sabotage.
Overall, whether referring to a noun or verb, scuttles generally relate to openings, hatches, or actions associated with ships, buildings, or running in a hasty manner.
The word "scuttles" has different etymologies depending on its context and usage.
1. As a noun, "scuttles" refers to small openings or hatches in ships, roofs, or walls. The etymology can be traced back to the Old English word "scutel", which means a dish or shallow container. This word further derived from Old Norse "skutill" and Middle Dutch "scuttel", both meaning a tray or platter. Over time, the term "scuttles" started to be used specifically for small openings or hatches, possibly because they resembled the shape of a dish or tray.
2. As a verb, "scuttles" can mean to run hurriedly, especially in a frightened or furtive manner. Its etymology can be linked to the verb "scuttle", which originated in the late 17th century.