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- Dictionaryho·cus-po·cus/ˌhōkəsˈpōkəs/
noun
- 1. meaningless talk or activity, often designed to draw attention away from and disguise what is actually happening: "some people still view psychology as a lot of hocus-pocus" Similar
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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.
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 meaning: 1. tricks used to deceive, or words used to hide what is happening or make it not clear: 2. words…. Learn more.
The meaning of HOCUS-POCUS is sleight of hand. How to use hocus-pocus in a sentence.
noun. a meaningless chant or expression used in conjuring or incantation. a juggler's trick; sleight of hand. trickery; deception. Synonyms: double-dealing, hanky-panky, dishonesty, deceit. unnecessarily mysterious or elaborate activity or talk to cover up a deception, magnify a simple purpose, etc. verb (used with object)
If you describe something as hocus-pocus, you disapprove of it because you think it is false and intended to trick or deceive people. [ disapproval ] It is unlikely he would have mistaken hocus-pocus for genuine knowledge.
What's the meaning of the phrase 'Hocus-pocus'? ‘Hocus pocus’ is a supposed magical charm previously uttered by magicians. More recently it has been used as a general term for trickery or magic.
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? Britain, 17th century. Where is it used? Worldwide. Hear the idiom spoken. More idioms about. Theatre. Trickery. Reduplication. How the idiom originated.
HOCUS–POCUS meaning: language or activity that is meant to trick or confuse people
Hocus-pocus is an illusion or a meaningless distraction that tricks you in some way. Some people believe in astrology, while others think horoscopes are nothing but hocus-pocus.
