Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

HUDGE-MUDGE, v., n., adv. Also curtailed form hudge.

I. v. To discuss covertly, whisper (about), spread evil reports (of someone). Vbl.n. hudg(e)mudgan, -in, hudgan, a whispering, esp. behind someone's back (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 82; Abd., ‡Kcd., Ags. 1957).Per. 1811 J. Sim Poems 23:
For a' his wiles, an' his hudgmudgin, He'll be nae fairer.

II. n. Secrecy (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.); clandestine whispering (about someone), a furtive or confidential aside (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 82, hudge(mudge); Ags. 1957).Abd. 1748 R. Forbes Ajax 15:
Wha in hudge mudge wi' wiles, . . . The smeerless fae beguiles?

III. adv. Secretly, in an underhand way (Abd.⁴ 1933).Sc. 1788 Scots Mag. (Nov.) 558:
Cum here and tak a pint hudgemudge.