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- Dictionaryhocus-pocus/həʊkəsˈpəʊkəs/
noun
- 1. meaningless talk or activity, typically designed to trick someone or conceal the truth of a situation: "some people still view psychology as a lot of hocus-pocus" Similar
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HOCUS-POCUS definition: 1. tricks used to deceive, or words used to hide what is happening or make it not clear: 2. words…. Learn more.
Hocus-pocus is a reference to the actions of magicians, often as the stereotypical magic words spoken when bringing about some sort of change. It was once a common term for a magician, juggler, or other similar entertainers. In extended usage, the term is often used (pejoratively) to describe irrational human activities that appear to depend on magic. Examples are given below.
HOCUS-POCUS meaning: 1. tricks used to deceive, or words used to hide what is happening or make it not clear: 2. words…. Learn more.
What's the origin of the phrase 'Hocus-pocus'? From the early 17th century onwards ‘hocus pocus’ (now more often spelled as a single hyphenated word) has been used as an incantation by conjurers when performing tricks. Hocus-pocus is now treated like abracadabra, shazam and ‘izzy-wizzy, let’s get busy’ that is, as stage patter, used ...
5 meanings: 1. trickery or chicanery 2. mystifying jargon 3. an incantation used by conjurors or magicians when performing.... Click for more definitions.
The meaning of HOCUS-POCUS is sleight of hand. How to use hocus-pocus in a sentence.
Hocus-pocus definition: a meaningless chant or expression used in conjuring or incantation.. See examples of HOCUS-POCUS used in a sentence.
Hocus pocus. Meaning. A term used to denote magic or trickery. Examples. He claimed to have evidence of the Loch Ness Monster, but it turned out to be a lot of hocus pocus. Where did it originate?
But all the stories about its origin are a bunch of hocus-pocus. Etymologists think that is was probably created in imitation of Latin, but the story about the juggler's name and the mockery of the mass both appeared after hocus-pocus showed up in print, meaning that they are suspect.
Sep 12, 2022 · The phrase "hocus pocus" first popped up in the 1600s. In its earliest usage, it was actually a name. According to Wordorigins.org, Hocus Pocus was the pseudonym of a man named William Vincent, who in the 1620s was serving as the court magician to King James I of England. According to a report from a 1655 book called "A Candle in the Dark," Vincent's name may have come from a mantra that he chanted while performing tricks.
hocus-pocus: 1 n verbal misrepresentation intended to take advantage of you in some way Synonyms: hanky panky , jiggery-pokery , skulduggery , skullduggery , slickness , trickery Type of: deceit , deception , misrepresentation a misleading falsehood
During the early 1600s, Hocus Pocus was a name commonly adopted by a juggler or magician. The name, and the words 'hocus pocus,' which were often chanted during tricks involving sleight of hand, is believed to be a perversion of the Latin blessing from the Catholic mass, Hoc est corpus meum, or “This is my body.”. See more phrases.
Definition of hocus-pocus noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
HOCUS–POCUS meaning: language or activity that is meant to trick or confuse people
Hocus-pocus definition: . See examples of HOCUS-POCUS used in a sentence.
Dec 22, 2022 · Because no one spoke or understood Latin, this chant was garbled into “hocus pocus,” which we still use when performing magic tricks today. The Origin of Hocus Pocus. The term hocus pocus first appeared in the 1600s. It was a name in its early usage. Hocus Pocus was the pen name of William Vincent, who worked as the court magician to King James I of England in the 1620s.
Jun 2, 2024 · hocus - pocus (usually uncountable, plural hocus-pocuses or hocus-pocusses or hoci-poci) ( uncountable) Some ineffectual action or speech, especially if intended to divert attention; nonsense. ( uncountable, derogatory) Religious or supernatural phenomena one holds to be nonsense or mere trickery; superstitious mumbo-jumbo . How was it possible ...
Sep 25, 2018 · hocus-pocus (interj.) hocus-pocus. (interj.) magical formula used in conjuring, 1630s, earlier Hocas Pocas, common name of a magician or juggler (1620s); a sham-Latin invocation used by jugglers, perhaps based on a perversion of the sacramental blessing from the Mass, Hoc est corpus meum "This is my body." The first to make this speculation on ...
There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the word hocus-pocus, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. hocus-pocus has developed meanings and uses in subjects including. conjuring (early 1600s) occult (mid 1600s)
hocus-pocus in American English. (ˈhoʊkəsˈpoʊkəs ) noun. 1. meaningless words used as a formula by conjurers. 2. a magician's trick or trickery; sleight of hand; legerdemain. 3. any meaningless action or talk drawing attention away from some deception.
What does the verb hocus-pocus mean? There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb hocus-pocus. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Entry status. OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised. See meaning & use. How common is the verb hocus-pocus? Fewer than 0.01 occurrences per million words in modern written English . 1760: 0.00007: 1770: 0.00006: 1780: 0 ...
5 days ago · While Hocus Pocus 2's success is of little surprise, it is unclear just how a third movie could pick up where the Disney+ sequel left off for the Sanderson sisters.While on the verge of casting a powerful spell that would exact vengeance on Salem for the harm the town caused them, Winifred accidentally condemned Mary (Najimy) and Sarah (Parker) to fade away in exchange for the power. Remorseful for condemning her sisters, Winnie begs Becca (Whitney Peak), Cassie (Lilia Buckingham), and Izzy ...
But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a negative impact. Both things can be true.” ... that contains a waterfront house that was a key filming location in the original “Hocus Pocus.” ...
