JIGGERY-POKERY

My friend Steve, in one of his regular emails to me, used the words 'jiggery-pokery' to describe the (lack of) action he experienced on a recent evening out at the cinema with a female friend.
Jiggery-pokery is an interesting word and, given language is my job, I thought I would use it as an example of an idiom, and also an example of how an idiom can wrongly used. What jiggery-pokery actually means is underhand, scheming and perhaps illegal behaviour. I know Steve well and I know he would never do anything illegal, and I think he isn't alone in not knowing exactly what these words mean. It is often used as a substitute for 'fun and games', which isn't the real meaning at all.
As an example, if we publish a story claiming Steve is engaged in jiggery-pokery with his friend, we could be liable to court action because we would be claiming the he is engaged in illegal activities. What most people would think is that Steve is having some fun with his friend, which isn't the true meaning at all.
Now try explaining this example to my Thai colleagues!