U.S. Microbics, Inc. (fka BUGS)

[blackhawks]

" A word commonly used like the words opinion and speculation.'

Yeah, that works. But most of us know the connotation of a rumor to mean 'unsubstantiated' and 'flimsy' as opposed to a "well informed" opinion.

Etymology: Middle English rumour, from Anglo-French, from Latin rumor clamor, gossip; akin to Old English reon to lament, Sanskrit rauti he roars
Date: 14th century

1 : talk or opinion widely disseminated with no discernible source
2 : a statement or report current without known authority for its truth