collogue

/kɒˈləʊɡ/

Etymology

First attested in 1590s (as colloguing), presumably from colleague (“to associate”) and French colloque (“secret meeting”), from Latin colloquium (English colloquy), possibly influenced by dialogue. Ultimately from Latin collega (“a partner in office”) + Ancient Greek λόγος (lógos, “speech; oration; discourse”), perhaps partly via Latin loquor (“to speak”).

Why this word is great

COLLOGUE — [Verb] To converse privately or conspiratorially; to engage in clandestine discourse. From Latin collega ("partner in office") + Ancient Greek λόγος (lógos, "speech"), influenced by Latin colloquium ("conversation") and possibly French colloque ("secret meeting"). Unlike "consult" (which suggests open deliberation) or "cajole" (which reduces to artful persuasion), "collogue" carries the velvet menace of collusion. It is the muted exchange between treasonous courtiers, the furtive bargaining of smugglers in a dockside tavern, or the coded pleasantries of spies at a diplomatic reception—language as a loaded weapon, sheathed in civility.

verb

  1. To coax (someone); also, to flatter (someone).
  2. To simulate belief.
  3. To talk privately or secretly; to conspire.“You let Dunsey have it, sir? And how long have you been so thick with Dunsey that you must collogue with him to embezzle my money?”