What does cahoots mean? where did this expression come from?

Question

e.g. "in cahoots" with one another

Answer 1

"In cahoots" means to be connected with or affliliated with a group or organization. Usually it's a negative connatation, so to be "in cahoots" is not a good thing.

I can't locate the term "in cahoots" in my word origins books, but I might be able to find it in a minute or two.

The website below states that it may be from the French, but it's pretty vague.

Answer 2

Perhaps the word "cahoots" is a corruption of the word "cohorts" as used in Norman times and earlier. Dictionary definitions of the word cohort are: 1. One-tenth of a Roman legion, 2. A band of warriors, or 3. Persons banded together or grouped together in a common cause.

Answer 3

In cahoots?I like this metaphor.This is what I think it means
a)They are collaborating together.
b)They `re conspiring together
.c)They are allegiating themselves to the other or belief.
k) Forming a sort of alliance
d).A secret partnership
.e)Usually a clandestine one
.f)They are in it together but up to no good
.G)They are plotting.
h)They are scheming a devious plan
.I)The one knows what the other is up to and both are in agreement as to what they know or
J)aswhat they are going to do.
K)They know something the others do´nt.
L) They believe in the same ideology.
M)They are on the same side

Answer 4

Old expression means "in agreement with," or "working with" ... usually has a negative connotation, as in , "He is in cahoots with the devil." Used to hear it a lot in old Western movies.

Answer 5

It means that two (or more people) are 'in on' something together. It's also slightly derogitory/negative to say that "they were in cahoots"- they were in on something that was possibly dishonest, etc.

Answer 6

today the police call it conspiracy