hugger-mugger

[huhg-er-muhg-er]

noun

1. disorder or confusion; muddle.

2. secrecy; reticence.

   Why is there such hugger-mugger about the scheme?

adjective

1. secret or clandestine.

2. disorderly or confused.

verb (used with object)

1. to keep secret or concealed; hush up.

verb (used without object)

1. to act secretly.

hugger-mugger

/ ˈhʌɡəˌmʌɡə /

noun

1. confusion

2. rare,  secrecy

adjective

1. with secrecy

2. in confusion

verb

1. (tr) to keep secret

2. (intr) to act secretly

Word History and Origins

Origin of hugger-mugger¹

First recorded in 1520–30; earlier hucker-mucker, rhyming compound based on mucker, from Middle English mokeren “to hoard”

Word History and Origins

Origin of hugger-mugger¹

C16: of uncertain origin