hocus-pocus

American  

[hoh-kuhs-poh-kuhs] / ˈhoʊ kəsˈpoʊ kəs /

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.

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verb (used with object)

hocus-pocused, hocus-pocusing, hocus-pocussed, hocus-pocussing

1. to play tricks on or with.

verb (used without object)

hocus-pocused, hocus-pocusing, hocus-pocussed, hocus-pocussing

1. to perform tricks; practice trickery or deception.

hocus-pocus British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to deceive or trick (someone)

Etymology

Origin of hocus-pocus

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

Example Sentences

Until we all pay attention to what matters, the fee hocus-pocus will never stop.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

The happy resolution is earned by more than hocus-pocus.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2023

Even up close, it was impossible to tell whether it was all sleight of hand or real hocus-pocus.

From Washington Post • Oct. 21, 2021

Chloe Benjamin’s second novel, “The Immortalists,” is one of those hocus-pocus experiences — and, appropriately, it has magic at its core.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 4, 2018

One loaf, and she was a shoo-in for the baker’s job, though I suspect she may have knocked out the competition with some hocus-pocus, too, if rumors are to be believed.”

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood