hocus-pocus

[ hoh-kuhs-poh-kuhs ]

noun

1. a meaningless chant or expression used in conjuring or incantation.
2. a juggler's trick; sleight of hand.
3. trickery; deception.

   Synonyms: double-dealing, hanky-panky, dishonesty, deceit

4. unnecessarily mysterious or elaborate activity or talk to cover up a deception, magnify a simple purpose, etc.

verb (used with object)

, ho·cus-po·cused, ho·cus-po·cus·ing or (especially British) ho·cus-po·cussed, ho·cus-po·cus·sing.

1. to play tricks on or with.

verb (used without object)

, ho·cus-po·cused, ho·cus-po·cus·ing or (especially British) ho·cus-po·cussed, ho·cus-po·cus·sing.

1. to perform tricks; practice trickery or deception.

hocus-pocus

/ ˈhəʊkəsˈpəʊkəs /

noun

1. trickery or chicanery
2. mystifying jargon
3. an incantation used by conjurors or magicians when performing tricks
4. conjuring skill or practice

verb

1. to deceive or trick (someone)

Word History and Origins

Origin of hocus-pocus¹

First recorded in 1615–25; pseudo-Latin rhyming formula used by jugglers and magicians

Word History and Origins

Origin of hocus-pocus¹

C17: perhaps a dog-Latin formation invented by jugglers

Example Sentences

So how did 18-year-old Jason Marsden get cast as the voice of a talking cat in Hocus Pocus?

From The Daily Beast

Finally, in the spirit of Hocus Pocus, what are your Halloween plans this year?

From The Daily Beast

First negatively, it has not been done by any artificial means or legislative hocus-pocus (applause).

From Project Gutenberg

It is hocus-pocus, a sort of social magic formula like the "mutabor" in the Arabian Nights; it is an Aladdins-lamp philosophy.

From Project Gutenberg

He complains that Gautier is lacking in a concern about supernatural hocus-pocus and that Flaubert is lacking.

From Project Gutenberg

"There's some hocus-pocus about this," whispered Trask, as he and Locke moved forward for a private talk.

From Project Gutenberg

But love was beginning its usual hocus-pocus with character and turning a tired business man into a restless swain.

From Project Gutenberg