hugger mugger etymology

Etymology

• Huggermugger is attested from the late 16th century, originally as a vulgarism.
• It is probably derived from the phrase "in hugger-mugger", meaning "in secrecy or confusion".
• This phrase may have originated from the Middle English word "hugger", meaning "to hide", and the Dutch word "muggen", meaning "to growl or murmur".

Meaning

• Huggermugger means confusion, disorder, or secrecy.
• It can also refer to something done in a sneaky or underhanded way.

Origin

• The earliest known use of "huggermugger" is in a 1591 play by John Lyly, where it is used to describe a secret meeting.
• The word became more common in the 17th century, and was often used to describe political or religious intrigues.
• In the 18th century, "huggermugger" began to be used more generally to describe any kind of confusion or secrecy.

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