  We propose a novel mechanism for the origin of non-Gaussian tails in the
probability distribution functions (PDFs) of local variables in nonlinear,
diffusive, dynamical systems including passive scalars advected by chaotic
velocity fields. Intermittent fluctuations on appropriate time scales in the
amplitude of the (chaotic) noise can lead to exponential tails. We provide
numerical evidence for such behavior in deterministic, discrete-time passive
scalar models. Different possibilities for PDFs are also outlined.
