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Archiver > WORDS > 2001-03 > 0985227965


From: "Leif O. Thorvaldson" <>
Subject: Re: [WORDS] Cahoots
Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2001 18:28:15 -0800
References: <00f001c0b274$74ae3be0$82aafea9@z9v8e3>


The Word Detective has the following:

If there's one phrase which perfectly sums up a certain mood in
America in the late 20th century, "in cahoots" is it. As a synonym for
"conspiring with" or "collaborating with," "in cahoots" carries a
loose, folksy tone that nicely softens what might otherwise be
regarded as paranoia.

"Cahoots" is a classic early 19th century American coinage, largely
unknown outside the U.S. The origin of "cahoots" is a bit uncertain,
but it can be narrowed down to two possible roots, both French words.
The American scholar John Bartlett, of "Bartlett's Quotations" fame,
felt certain that "cahoot" came from the French "cohorte," meaning
"company or band." The Oxford English Dictionary, on the other hand,
theorizes that it came from the French "cahute," meaning "cabin,"
reasoning that to "be in cahoots with" was to be as close as two
people sharing a small cabin.

So we may never know exactly where "cahoots" came from. But
considering that there's been a black helicopter hovering outside my
window ever since I started writing this particular column, that's OK
by me.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Patrick D. Morris" <>
To: <>
Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2001 6:03 PM
Subject: [WORDS] Cahoots


> Over heard in court:
>
> WITNESS: I don't know but they was in coots together
> CROWN: I beg your pardon?
> WITNESS: Man, you know they was in it together like.
> CROWN: I see. I think you mean they were in cahoots.
> THE JUDGE: Somewhat further removed geographically, counsel, from
coots.
> WITNESS: That's it Your Honour. They was there too.
>
>
> Now, my limited dictionaries here provide no origin for the
expression "in cahoots" other that to suggest (colloq) and [Ety
uncertain]
> Any thoughts on this expression, fellow word mavens?


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