also: こしょこしょばなし
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.
They are having a whispered conversation at the next seat.
It's rude to whisper during a meeting.
Rare variant with palatalized mimetic; may be encountered in older or dialectal usage.
Search-only katakana form for the rare palatalized variant.
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.