The phrase "are cahoots" is commonly used to describe a situation in which two or more individuals are conspiring or collaborating with each other in a dubious or deceitful way. The spelling of "cahoots" is an example of the English language's irregularities, with two vowels (oo) representing a single sound (u). The IPA phonetic transcription for "cahoots" is /kəˈhuːts/, with stress on the second syllable and the "oo" sound represented by the symbol /uː/.
"Cahoots" is an idiomatic expression that is used informally in English to refer to a close collaboration or partnership between two or more individuals, often with an implicit suggestion of secrecy or conspiracy.
When two or more people are said to be "in cahoots," it means they are working together, usually with a shared goal or purpose, and often in a manner that may not be entirely legal or ethical. The term is often used to describe individuals who engage in covert or suspicious activities, such as plotting a scheme or plan, keeping secrets, or engaging in illicit activities.
The origins of the word "cahoots" are unclear, although it is thought to have originated in the 1820s in the United States. The exact etymology remains uncertain, but it is believed to possibly come from the French word "cahouète," which referred to a quantity of something shared among a group.
Overall, "are in cahoots" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a secretive collaboration or partnership between people. It implies a sense of coordination and often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a secretive or conspiratorial nature to the relationship or activities.
The word cahoots is said to have originated in the early 19th century in the United States. It is thought to have derived from the French word cohorte meaning cohort, which referred to a group of people working together for a common purpose.
Over time, cahoots in English came to mean a close or secret partnership or collaboration. Being in cahoots suggests an association, often with an element of secrecy or implicit wrongdoing. However, it is important to note that the exact etymology of the phrase in cahoots is not entirely clear and may have evolved through usage and colloquialism rather than being a direct translation of cohorte.