Definition of scoop

The word "scoop" initially originated from the nautical context in the 18th century. It referred to the process of scooping water out of a ship's bilge (the bottom of the ship) with a device called a scoop or bilge pump. This was necessary to prevent the ship from sinking, especially during rough seas. The word's usage expanded beyond its nautical roots in the following centuries. By the end of the 19th century, it had come to mean the act of obtaining exclusive information or breaking news, as a writer or journalist was often able to "scoop" their competitors in gathering and publishing information before others. This sense of the word "scoop" was further popularized by the print media in the 20th century, where newspaper and magazine editors would select which articles to feature based on their perceived exclusivity. The term is now widely used in various media contexts, from print to broadcast, and also in industries such as business, politics, and sports, where breaking news and major announcements are keenly anticipated and fiercely competitive. In short, the word "scoop" evolved from its obscure origins in the world of nautical engineering to become a widely recognized term that describes the process of obtaining and disseminating information that is not known to others.