Hocus-pocus

Quick meaning: Hocus-pocus is an interjection meaning A phrase used (by a stage magician, etc.) as a magical incantation to bring about some change: abracadabra, hey presto.

Meaning

A phrase used (by a stage magician, etc.) as a magical incantation to bring about some change: abracadabra, hey presto.

More Meanings

1. (uncountable) Some ineffectual action or speech, especially if intended to divert attention; nonsense.
2. (uncountable, derogatory) Religious or supernatural phenomena one holds to be nonsense or mere trickery; superstitious mumbo-jumbo.
3. (countable, obsolete) A conjurer.
4. (countable, obsolete) A conjurer's trick.
5. (ambitransitive, colloquial, dated) To play tricks or practise sleight of hand (on someone); (by extension) to cheat, to deceive.
6. (countable, uncountable, chiefly US, also attributively) Some action carried out to bring about change as if by magic; a trick; sleight of hand, trickery.

Example Sentences

He was an admirable mimic, so that he kept us roaring with laughter, as he hocussed-pocussed, and fussed and fumed like the former captain of the Water Sprite.

The ego thinks that his local time and space is all there is to reality, and that the busy affairs of state and trade are more important than a lot of obscurantist hocus-pocus.

She was fair and above board dealing with her, and no hocusing-pocusing, and every farthing paid to the last shilling, though she did remark that sherry might have been three-and-six, and four were ru’nation ’igh.

But jest argufy this t’other way, and then see how it’d be; for there ain’t no ladies as go marrying Codlings and Humpys—begging your pardon, Mr. Humpy—and Chequerses—not they; they’d be right down hocussed-pocussed and back-parloured in no time; and so, you see, it ain’t according, and all you said about veal pies and oat-cakes goes for nothing, Mr. Humpy.

Word Forms

• hocus-pocuses
• hocus-pocusses
• hoci-poci
• hocuspocus
• hocuses-pocuses
• hocusses-pocusses
• hocus-pocusing
• hocus-pocussing
• hocusing-pocusing
• hocussing-pocussing
• hocus-pocused
• hocus-pocussed
• hocused-pocused
• hocussed-pocussed

Synonyms for hocus-pocus

Depending on context, synonyms include alakazam, shazam, abracadabra, kazaam, presto, legerdemain.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include jiggery-pokery, skulduggery, trickery, hanky panky, slickness, skullduggery.

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