hocus pocus
/ˈhoʊkəs ˈpoʊkəs/
noun
Origin
Latin
hoc est corpus meum — this is my body
Overview
Meaning Now
- A formula used by conjurers or magicians when performing a trick.
- Meaningless talk or activity used to deceive or divert attention; hocus-pocus.
Language path
Latin → English
Earliest form
Hocus Pocus
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The most famous theory, first proposed by John Tillotson in 1694, suggests that the phrase is a corruption of 'hoc est corpus meum'—the words of consecration in the Catholic Mass. This theory posits that it was meant as a parody of the perceived 'magic' of transubstantiation. However, many linguists find this unlikely due to the lack of evidence of such irreverent usage in early records, favoring the theory that it is simply a playful, rhyming mock-Latin construction.
Evolution
- 16th century
hocus pocus
“a juggler or conjurer”
Originally referred to the practitioner rather than the magic words.
- 17th century
hocus pocus
“a nonsensical magical phrase”
Consolidated as a standard term for stage magic.
Connections
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Related to hocus pocus
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.