collogue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ObsoleteArchaic / Dialectal
Quick answer
What does “collogue” mean?
To converse privately and confidentially.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To converse privately and confidentially; to conspire or plot together.
A verb denoting a secretive, often lengthy, discussion, typically implying scheming or a close, confiding exchange not meant for public hearing. It can suggest whispering or gossiping.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In modern contexts, the word is virtually extinct in standard American English and is primarily a historical relic in British English, with some lingering use in Scottish and Irish dialects.
Connotations
In historical/dialectal British contexts: secretive plotting or intimate gossip. In modern American contexts: essentially unknown.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, but marginally more attested in historical UK sources.
Grammar
How to Use “collogue” in a Sentence
collogue with [person/group]collogue togethercollogue about [topic]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “collogue” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old men would collogue by the fire, speaking in hushed tones.
- They were observed colloguing in the back room, likely plotting their next move.
American English
- The term is not used in contemporary American English.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form.
American English
- No adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No adjective form.
American English
- No adjective form.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or literary analysis of older texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “collogue”
- Using it in modern writing without signaling its archaic nature.
- Confusing it with 'colloquy' (a formal conversation).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic and is very rarely used outside of historical or dialectal contexts.
'Colloquy' is a formal word for a conversation or conference. 'Collogue' is archaic and implies a secretive or conspiratorial conversation.
Only if you are directly quoting an older text or discussing the word itself in a linguistic or literary analysis.
Not in standard modern English. The action itself is 'colloguing'.
To converse privately and confidentially.
Collogue is usually archaic / dialectal in register.
Collogue: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈləʊɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈloʊɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in modern usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'COLLeagues' who 'dialOGUE' secretly in a corner—they COLLOGUE.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTIMATE CONVERSATION IS CLOSE PHYSICAL PROXIMITY / SECRECY IS DARKNESS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the verb 'collogue' be most appropriately used?