A prefix analogous to the suffix -gate, denoting a scandal. Derived from the Watergate scandal.
Investigator 1: "Heavens to Betsy!"
Investigator 2: "You didn't seriously just say that. What is it?"
Investigator 1: "From the looks of these financial records, it looks like the mayor embezzled some of the federal grant money he received to build that water gate to protect the town from floods."
Investigator 2: "Really? Well I'll be a monkey's uncle - you're right!"
Investigator 1: "What to call this scandal...I've got it! Because it's a scandal involving a gate, we can add the prefix 'water-' and call it watergate!"
Investigator 2: "No, that's already taken. I think it would be better, since it's a scandal involving water, to add the suffix '-gate' and call it watergate! No, wait, never mind, that's the same thing."
Investigator 1: "Since it's a scandal involving a water gate, let's add the prefix 'water-' and the suffix '-gate' and call it waterwatergategate!"
Investigator 2: "Brilliant! Just rolls right off the tongue."