What does collogue mean?
Collogue is a rare English verb meaning to confer privately or confidentially, typically with a hint of secrecy, whispering, or scheming. When two people collogue, they withdraw from public hearing to discuss something — often something they would prefer others not to overhear. The word carries a distinctly literary, somewhat old-fashioned flavor, appearing more often in historical fiction and formal prose than in everyday conversation, and it frequently implies intrigue or conspiracy rather than innocent consultation. It entered English in the seventeenth century and has been used by writers such as Sir Walter Scott, yet its ultimate origin has never been firmly established, making it one of those words whose history is as shadowy as the activity it describes. Though uncommon today, it remains a precise and evocative choice when describing huddled, secretive conversation.
verbTo confer privately or confidentially, especially in order to plot or scheme; to hold a secret or whispered discussion.
- To confer privately or confidentially, especially with an implication of plotting or intrigue.
"The directors were seen colloguing in the corridor before the vote was announced."
"The rebels collogued through the night, planning their next move."
"She caught the two lawyers colloguing by the window, well out of earshot."
Despite sounding like 'colleague' and 'dialogue', this secretive little verb has baffled etymologists for centuries — its true origin remains genuinely unknown.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of collogue
Collogue first appears in English in the early seventeenth century, with early use recorded in Scotland. Its ultimate origin is uncertain; it has been suggested that it may derive from Greek elements relating to speech or discourse, but no derivation has been definitively proven. The word gained literary currency through writers such as Sir Walter Scott, who used it in depicting Scottish dialogue.
How collogue is actually used
Collogue is rare and somewhat literary or archaic in flavor; it often carries a connotation of secrecy or intrigue rather than ordinary discussion.
Easily confused with collogue
A colleague is a fellow worker (noun), whereas collogue is a verb meaning to confer or plot privately.
A colloquy is a formal conversation or conference (noun), while collogue is the act of conferring secretly, often with scheming overtones.