word on the wire
The rumour or news going around on the internet, in business, on the street, or in social circles.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The word on the wire is that the store is closing.”
“I heard the word on the wire that our manager might be leaving soon.”
“The word on the wire among the local residents is that a new park will be built where the old factory stands.”
“Despite the official silence from the company, the word on the wire suggests that a major merger is imminent.”
disputed origin
The phrase likely emerged as a digital variation of *word on the street*, appearing once internet communications became a fixture of daily life for the general public. While it is possible the term occurred sporadically in the era of telegraphic wire services, it did not achieve any measurable currency before the early years of the consumer internet.
Its tenure in the English lexicon proved brief. The expression enjoyed its greatest use during that specific transitional period but has maintained very little currency since the initial internet era passed into something more permanent.
- 01
bad word
A vulgar word.
- 02
breathe a word
To divulge even part of a secret (usually used with a negative).
- 03
dicky
[Cockney slang]word
- 04
dirty word
The name of a topic that a person prefers not to hear or discuss.
- 05
down to the wire
At the very end of a process or project, especially one with a fast-approaching deadline.
- 06
empty words
Any type of talk with little meaning; a message that seems to contain meaningful content but is actually vapid.
- 07
from the word go
From the very beginning; from the outset; immediately upon starting.
- 08
get one's wires crossed
To get confused or mixed up about another person's intentions; to misunderstand one another.
Last updated August 10, 2026