The phrase "got about" can be replaced with a variety of synonyms such as "spread", "circulated", "propagated", or "disseminated". These synonyms all carry the connotation that information or news has been conveyed to multiple individuals or groups. "Got around" is another commonly used synonym for "got about". It suggests that the information has travelled through various channels and reached a broad audience. Other synonyms could include "went viral", "permeated", or "penetrated", depending on the context in which the phrase is being used. Overall, there are many different synonyms that can be used to effectively convey the idea of information being shared or spread throughout a community.