"heard it through the water cooler"

Posted by Smokey Stover on July 28, 2006

In Reply to: "Heard it through the water cooler" posted by ESC on July 24, 2006

: : Can someone please indicate what the meaning of "heard it through the water cooler" is? Also, where did the phrase originate?

: : Cheers.

: At the water cooler. Some offices have water coolers where workers tend to congregate and talk.

This is doubtless an impertinence, but sometimes the pen-names we use on this site receive comment, as mine has. I simply can't see yours, "paschendale," without being reminded of Paschendael, scene of one of a very bloody battle
in World War I, which is otherwise known as the third battle of Ypres (because of its nearness to Ypres) in October, 1917. (Being reminded of it doesn't mean I was there.)
SS