| English Dictionary |
HUGGER-MUGGER
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
| IPA (US): |  |
Dictionary entry overview: What does hugger-mugger mean?
• HUGGER-MUGGER (noun)
The noun HUGGER-MUGGER has 1 sense:
1. a state of confusion
Familiarity information: HUGGER-MUGGER used as a noun is very rare.
• HUGGER-MUGGER (adjective)
The adjective HUGGER-MUGGER has 2 senses:
1. in utter disorder
2. conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
Familiarity information: HUGGER-MUGGER used as an adjective is rare.
• HUGGER-MUGGER (adverb)
The adverb HUGGER-MUGGER has 1 sense:
1. in secrecy
Familiarity information: HUGGER-MUGGER used as an adverb is very rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
A state of confusion
Classified under:
Nouns denoting stable states of affairs
Context example:
he engaged in the hugger-mugger of international finance
Hypernyms ("hugger-mugger" is a kind of...):
confusion (disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably)
Derivation:
hugger mugger (act stealthily or secretively)
hugger-mugger (in utter disorder)
Sense 1
Meaning:
In utter disorder
Synonyms:
disorderly; higgledy-piggledy; hugger-mugger; jumbled; topsy-turvy
Context example:
a disorderly pile of clothes
Similar:
untidy (not neat and tidy)
Derivation:
hugger-mugger (a state of confusion)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
Synonyms:
clandestine; cloak-and-dagger; hole-and-corner; hugger-mugger; hush-hush; secret; surreptitious; undercover; underground
Context example:
underground resistance
Similar:
covert (secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed)
Sense 1
Meaning:
In secrecy
Context example:
they did it all hugger-mugger
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