mumbo jumbo

mum·bo jum·bo

noun \ˌməm-bō-ˈjəm-(ˌ)bō\

Definition of MUMBO JUMBO

1

: an object of superstitious homage and fear

2

a : a complicated often ritualistic observance with elaborate trappings b : complicated activity or language usually intended to obscure and confuse

3

: unnecessarily involved and incomprehensible language : gibberish

4

: language, behavior, or beliefs based on superstition

Examples of MUMBO JUMBO

1. We were confused by all the legal mumbo jumbo.
2. His explanation was just a lot of mumbo jumbo.

Origin of MUMBO JUMBO

Mumbo Jumbo, a masked figure among Mandingo peoples of western Africa

First Known Use: 1738

Related to MUMBO JUMBO

Synonyms: abracadabra, babble, blabber, burble, double Dutch, double-talk, drivel, gabble, gibber, jabber, jabberwocky, gibberish, nonsense, prattle, slobber

Related Words: blah (also blah-blah), hocus-pocus, hokeypokey, twaddle; chatter, gab, patter, prate, tattle, twitter; cackle, clack, clatter

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