backstab vs scuttle

backstab

verb
  • to attack someone (especially verbally) unfairly in a deceitful, underhand, or treacherous manner, especially when they're not present in the place or situation that it happens. (as if stabbing them in the back). See backbite. 

scuttle

verb
  • To undermine or thwart oneself or one's position or property, especially deliberately. 

  • To deliberately sink one's ship or boat by any means, usually by order of the vessel's commander or owner. 

  • To cut a hole or holes through the bottom, deck, or sides of (as of a ship), for any purpose. 

  • To deliberately wreck one's vehicle (of any sort). 

  • To move hastily, to scurry. 

noun
  • A small hatch or opening in a boat. Also, small opening in a boat or ship for draining water from open deck. 

  • A broad, shallow basket. 

  • A hatch that provides access to the roof from the interior of a building. 

  • A container like an open bucket (usually to hold and carry coal). 

  • A quick pace; a short run. 

How often have the words backstab and scuttle occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )