こそこそ話ばなし

also: こしょこしょばなし

Meanings

whispered conversation; whispering

Refers to a conversation held in a low, secretive voice, often implying the speakers don't want to be overheard. The mimetic element こそこそ suggests furtiveness.

隣となりの席せきでこそこそ話ばなしをしている。
They are having a whispered conversation at the next seat.
会かい議ぎ中ちゅうにこそこそ話ばなしをするのは失しつ礼れいだ。
It's rude to whisper during a meeting.

See all 3 example sentences ›

Kanji

話tale, talk

Related words

ひそひそ話ばなし
ひそひそ話 also means a whispered conversation, but ひそひそ emphasizes a softer, more secretive hush, while こそこそ can imply sneaky or furtive behavior.

Written forms

こそこそ話ばなし
Common mixed kanji-kana spelling.
コソコソ話ばなし
Katakana variant of the mimetic part; sometimes used for emphasis or in casual writing.
こしょこしょ話ばなし
Rare variant with palatalized mimetic; may be encountered in older or dialectal usage.
コショコショ話ばなし
Search-only katakana form for the rare palatalized variant.
こしょこしょばなし

Etymology

Compound of the mimetic adverb こそこそ (furtively, secretly) and 話 (talk, story). The mimetic root is sound-symbolic, imitating hushed, rustling sounds.