hush hush etymology

Etymology

The phrase "hush hush" is an onomatopoeic expression that mimics the sound of whispering or hushed speech. The term is believed to have originated in the 16th century.

Meaning

"Hush hush" means to keep something secret, to not talk about it, or to not make a sound. It can be used as a noun or a verb.

Origin

The origins of "hush hush" are not entirely clear, but there are a few possible explanations. One theory is that it comes from the Old English word "husshen," which means "to be silent." Another theory is that it comes from the Middle French word "huchier," which means "to shout" or "to cry out."

Regardless of its exact origins, "hush hush" has been used for centuries to refer to something that is secret or should not be talked about. It is often used in a playful or conspiratorial sense, but it can also be used to emphasize the seriousness of a secret.

hush hush relate terms

  • hush

    Etymology Old English hūsc from Proto West Germanic hūsk hūhs hūhsa meanin

  • clandestine

    Etymology of Clandestine From Latin clandestinus meaning hidden or secret Deri

  • hugger mugger

    Etymology Huggermugger is attested from the late 16th century originally as a vulgarism

  • secret

    Etymology of Secret Old French seceret Latin secretum something kept back Proto

  • bogey

    Etymology Middle English bogie or bogle meaning a ghost or evil spirit Possibly

  • resect

    Etymology First used in the 16th century Derived from the Latin word resectus which

  • underground

    Etymology Underground is a compound word derived from two Old English words Under

  • surreptitious

    Etymology Surreptitious originates from the Latin word surrepticius which means sto

  • mayhem

    Etymology Old French meshaigner Latin machamer to cut mangle injure Meaning

  • believe

    Etymology The word believe originates from the Old English word geliefan which is d

  • clean

    Etymology The word clean comes from the Middle English word clene which is derived f