Here's a breakdown:
* "in": This is a Latin preposition meaning "in" or "into."
* "cognito": This is the past participle of the verb "cognoscere," meaning "to know" or "to recognize."
Therefore, "incognito" essentially means "not known" or "not recognized," reflecting the idea of being hidden or disguised.
The word was first used in English in the 17th century and has been used ever since to describe someone who is trying to avoid being identified or recognized.