huggermugger

English

Alternative forms

• hugger-mugger

Etymology

The origin of hugger-mugger is unknown; perhaps it is from Anglo-Irish cuggermugger, a whispering, a low-voiced gossiping, from Irish cogair, whisper.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈhʌɡ.əˌmʌɡ.ə/, /ˌhʌɡ.əˈmʌɡ.ə/
• (US) IPA: /ˈhʌɡ.ɚˌmʌɡ.ɚ/

Adjective

huggermugger (comparative more huggermugger, superlative most huggermugger)

1. Secret; clandestine; sly.
   • We have done but greenly in hugger-mugger to inter him. Hamlet, Act iv. so. 5.
2. Confused; disorderly; slovenly; mean; as, hugger-mugger doings.
   • 1942, As we passed through the quadrangle the church was glowing more brightly than a pearl, like a lily in strong sunlight, in spite of all the scaffolding and hugger-mugger. — Rebecca West, Black Lamb and Grey Falcon (Canongate 2006, p. 990)

Synonyms

• See also Wikisaurus:covert