- An informal way to ask for the latest news, information, details, or gossip about a specific topic or person.
Explanation
Origin
- Strongly associated with journalism slang. A scoop is an exclusive news story obtained and published by a journalist or news outlet before competitors.
- Asking What's the scoop? metaphorically requests the inside story, the latest update, or exclusive information, as if asking a reporter for their findings.
- The term dates back to the late 19th or early 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- What's the skinny? (Older slang)
- What's the word? / Word on the street?
- Gimme the lowdown.
- What's the tea? (Popular current slang, esp. online/Gen Z, often implies gossip) **Origin**: Likely from Black drag culture, popularized via shows like RuPaul's Drag Race. 'Tea' refers to truth or gossip.
- What's shakin'? (General inquiry about what's happening)
- What's the haps? (Short for 'happenings')
More Direct/Standard:
- What's the latest news?
- Any updates on...?
- Fill me in.
- What did I miss?
Vulgar/Emphatic (More general, not specific to 'scoop'):
- What the fuck is going on?
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Best used with friends, family, or close colleagues.
- Avoid in formal reporting, serious news contexts, or professional settings where more direct language (What were the key decisions?, Could you provide an update?) is preferred.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Someone unfamiliar with the idiom might literally think of an ice cream scoop or a shovel. The context of asking for news/information is crucial.
Examples
- I missed the meeting this morning. What's the scoop?
- You saw Mike yesterday? What's the scoop? How's he doing?
- Okay, give me the scoop on your date last night!
Dialogue
Amy: Hey! I heard you went to the neighborhood association meeting last night.
Raj: Yeah, it was... interesting.
Amy: Don't leave me hanging! What's the scoop? Are they going ahead with that new park plan?
Raj: Well, the scoop is they're postponing the vote. Lots of disagreement.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Been offline dealing with a deadline. What's the scoop? Did I miss any major internet drama today? #CatchingUp #FOMO
- Chat message: Heard you talked to the manager about the schedule change. What's the scoop???
- Forum post: Anyone have the inside scoop on when the next software update is dropping?
Response Patterns
- Providing the requested news/information: Well, the main decision was... / She said she's moving to Canada!
- Indicating lack of news: Nothing much, really. / Same old, same old. / No scoop to report.
- Expressing uncertainty: I haven't heard anything new.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Asking clarifying questions about the news provided (Canada? Why?).
- Expressing opinions or reactions to the information.
- Sharing related information.
Conversation Starter
- Yes. An excellent informal conversation starter when you want updates on a specific situation or person known to the listener.
Intonation
- Typically asked with a curious, friendly, and informal tone.
- Rising intonation at the end, indicating a question.
- Stress usually falls on scoop.
- So, what's the SCOOP?
Generation Differences
- Understood by most generations, but might sound slightly dated (like something from a 1940s movie) to some younger people (Gen Z), who might prefer What's the tea?. Still commonly used, especially by Gen X and Millennials.
Regional Variations
- Primarily American English in origin, but widely understood in other English-speaking countries due to media influence.