スキャンダルはマッシュルームのように広まる ― mushroom

スキャンダルというのは広がり始めるとコントロールのしようもなくなってしまうものですが、そのことを表現するのに"mushroom"（マッシュルーム）が使われるとは知りませんでした。


In a mushrooming scandal, another FDNY emergency responder has been suspended by the department for tasteless activity on social-media Web sites, officials revealed yesterday.

Spurred by the latest in a series of Post exposés on EMT misbehavior, Anthony Palmigiano was suspended without pay pending an investigation into his online activity, according to FDNY spokesman Frank Gribbon.

A man identifying himself as Palmigiano posted to Facebook a graphic image of a patient with a gaping neck wound, along with a caption reading, “Table saw injury.”

Palmigiano claimed Saturday that his account had been hacked.
(Another FDNY emergency responder suspended for tasteless activity on social media. New York Post. April 1, 2013.)


"mushroom"を辞書で引くと動詞のエントリがあり、


（キノコのように）速く成長（発展）する、急速に広がる
（ランダムハウス英和辞書）


という意味が確認できました。例文には、


New apartment houses are mushrooming all over this area.


とあります。“雨後の筍のように・・・”という日本語の表現がありますが、上記の例文はキノコがぽつぽつと繁殖していく様子に喩えたものと考えれば合点のいくところです。

ところで、スキャンダルが広まることを"mushroom"で表現するのがスタンダードなのかという疑問がふと頭を掠めます。コーパスを使って調べてみるといくつか用例が確認できましたので、定着した形容表現であると言えそうです。


Samaranch has been on the defensive since allegations surfaced last month that IOC members received bribes and other favors from organizers behind Salt Lake City's successful bid to host the 2002 Winter Games. The mushrooming scandal, which now involves several Olympic cities around the world, has already led to the resignation of three IOC members and the recommended expulsion of six others.
(The Washington Post. 1999.)