Hocus pocus, abracadabra, alakazam! These are the words we invoke when magic is at work—even if it might just be a card trick at home. While a few of these words and phrases have wholly crossed over into entertainment magic or originated there from the start (e.g., presto change-o), some of these words are rooted in older commands that called upon higher powers to influence the material world.
Whether called hexes, hymns, prayers, or simply spells, the words we invoke to communicate with a greater power to work our will all require an intangible force that can be universally described as magic. Take a look and decide for yourself if magic is real or if it’s just a bunch of hocus-pocus.
🪄 A magical quiz
If you’re a real “wiz” at card tricks or have a deeper fascination with charms and spells, you might already know the words on this list. When you’re ready, you can demonstrate your knowledge of magic words by taking this short quiz!
abracadabra
Perhaps one of the oldest and most recognized magical phrases, abracadabra has been around since the second century BCE and has famously appeared in the Harry Potter series. Its origins are contested as scholars posit that abracadabra emerged from Late Latin or Late Greek, reflecting the recitation of the initial letters of the alphabet (abecedary); others hypothesize that it could related to the Hebrew Ha brakha dabra, which translates as, “The blessing has spoken.” We do understand it as a word generally meant to invoke magical power. Abracadabra is classified as a reductive spell, which means it would have been written out as a complete word on the first line, then with one letter missing on the next, then another letter removed on the following line, and so forth. The idea behind reductive spells is that by making the word shorter so would a pain or illness gradually diminish.
Recorded in English in the late 1600s, abracadabra is used in incantations, particularly as a magical means of warding off misfortune, harm, or illness, and for some, is used as a nonsense word, implying gibberish in place of supposedly magical words.
alakazam
Often used as the finale word in the presentation of a grand stage illusion, alakazam is intoned as a powerful command.
While the origins of the word are unknown, according to Magic Words: A Dictionary, alakazam may have ties to a similar-sounding Arabic phrase, Al Qasam, which means “oath.” Therefore, a conjuror invoking alakazam may be calling back to a promise made by a superior being to help complete the miraculous feat they are presenting.
One of the earliest printings of alakazam in an English text is the poem “Among the White Tents,” first published in the Chicago Herald Tribune in 1888. While the poem uses alakazam in the context of entertainment and as an excited expression (“We’re goin’ to de cirkis! / Alakazam!”) there is oddly no connection to magic.
hocus-pocus
Immortalized in a ’90s cult classic family film, hocus pocus may be both invoked as an incantation and might also be used to refer to an act of trickery. For instance, one who is dismissive of fortunetelling might call the act of reading tarot cards “a bunch of hocus pocus.”
First recorded in the 1660s, hocus pocus is likely a corruption of the Latin phrase used in Catholic mass, Hoc est corpus meum (“here is my body”).
Discover more about hocus-pocus and other bewitching words here.
voilà
Maybe you’ve seen a magician conclude an amazing feat with this little phrase. She’ll flourish a sheet over a table and voilà, where there was no one a second ago, her whole assistant will appear!
First recorded in English between 1825–35, voilà is used as an expression of success or satisfaction, typically to give the impression that the achievement happened quickly or easily. Combined from the French words voi (“see”) and là (“there”), voilà is used to direct attention during performance magic.
open sesame
First recorded in English in the late 1700s, open sesame comes from Antoine Galland’s translation of One Thousand and One Nights. These are the magic words Ali Baba speaks to open the door of the den of the 40 thieves.
Perhaps one of the greatest magical commands to survive from folklore, open sesame today may be used as a noun to refer to a very successful means of achieving a result. For instance, you might say an MBA is the open sesame to landing a competitive job in finance.
sim sala bim
These magic words were made popular by the famous professional magician Harry August Jansen (1883–1955), also known as The Great Jansen or Dante, who used sim sala bim as the name of his touring magic show. Jansen was born in Denmark and immigrated to Minnesota with his family at age 6. Jansen used sim sala bim at the end in his show, saying the words meant, “A thousand thanks.” (They are actually nonsense syllables from a Danish nursery rhyme.) He would tell the crowd that the larger the applause, the bigger the bow, and the more thanks that the sim sala bim symbolized.
mojo
While mojo can apply to the magic influence of a charm or amulet (usually positive), the term can also refer to the influence or charm an individual can have on the people around them. A popular Muddy Waters song, “Got My Mojo Workin’,” alludes to the degree to which the singer is able to charm the women he encounters. Mojo is less of a spell and more specifically an aura of power. An Americanism first recorded between 1925–30, it is believed to draw from the West African Gullah word moco, which means, “witchcraft.” It is probably connected to Fulani moco’o, or “medicine man.”
calamaris
Similar to abracadabra in popularity and structure, calamaris is the word that Scandinavians would invoke to heal a fever. Also like abracadabra, this word was a reductive spell, meaning the full word would be written down on one line, then each successive line would have one letter removed.
miertr
In ye olden times, having a decent hunt to provide for one’s family was critical. The incantation of miertr was spoken aloud as one walked backward and then left the house. After reaching the forest to hunt, the spellcaster was advised to take three clumps of dirt from beneath the left foot and throw them overhead without looking. This will allow an individual to advance without making any noise and capture birds and animals. Definitely a process, but hopefully it led to some successful hunting.
micrato, raepy sathonich
One of the most iconic scenes in the Bible’s Old Testament is Exodus 7:8-13, which tells of Moses and his brother Aaron as they go before Pharaoh and are challenged to perform a miracle as a sign of their god. When Aaron throws down his staff, it transforms into a snake that consumes the snakes conjured by Pharaoh’s own advisors and sorcerers. According to the Semiphoras and Schemhamphorash, an occult text published in German by Andreas Luppius in 1686, micrato, raepy sathonich were the opening words Moses spoke before changing his staff into a serpent.
daimon
A variant of the word daemon, daimon [ dahy-mohn ] appears in some Greek charms and holds the meaning of a “god, deity, soul of a dead person, or genie.” In this context, it does not necessarily correspond with the Christian interpretation of a demon—it is more akin to a spirit. This word might be used in a spell to summon a daimon attendant, who would then assist the conjurer in executing a specific task. Though new practitioners should be forewarned, summoning daimons are for more experienced magic practitioners and should always be handled with care. Daimon comes from Middle English and can ultimately be traced to the Greek daimónion, meaning “thing of divine nature.”
Divine the meanings behind familiar potion ingredients with the help of this explanation.
INRI
Those who can recall their days in Catholic school know INRI are the initials typically depicted on the crucifix and represent Jesus’ title (Iēsūs Nazarēnus, Rēx Iūdaeōrum). But long ago, INRI was also written on amulets and paper to offer cures to afflictions. For instance, to stop a fever, a person might eat a piece of paper with the initials written on it, or, to stop blood loss, INRI would be written in blood on a piece of paper that was then pressed to the forehead. It’s even been stamped on stable doors to ward off the evil eye.
grimoire
We’ve got two more interesting terms for good measure. Unlike the others on this list, a grimoire is not a magical spell. Described as a “textbook of sorcery and magic,” a grimoire [ greem-wahr ] is a must-have for any would-be spellcaster. First recorded in the 1800s, this word likely arose from the French grammaire (“grammar”). Essentially, this origin word refers to a textbook and/or a set of rules to be applied to the text. For a book that has the potential to summon other beings (for better or worse) and carry out supernatural feats, any student of that book had best be willing to follow those rules to the letter!
caracteres
The unique word caracteres refers to symbols written on bits of parchment or amulets. They were used as a way of encoding powerful spells to keep them from being repeated by someone who may not be aware of their potency or seek to abuse their power. Because of this general barrier to entry, caracteres also demanded the potential conjurors devote time to studying and learning how to correctly interpret the encrypted incantations.
The magic word in the world is “Thank you”. We say it on different occasions to different people. I want with this lovely bouquet of roses. Thank you for your support friends. For Your Visits. For your comments. And for your wonderful posts that give me new knowledge. Explore many places around the world that I can not afford to visit.
This is a bouquet of a wedding. This is a happy moment for all people. I hope it will be the taste of All You.
© Elenka Smilenova 2017 – All Rights Reserved
Report
What do you think?
placesWedding
Some words in the English Language have magical powers. As a result, they are referred to as ‘Magic Words’. These words have saved many marriages and relationships, fostered intra and inter-personal relationships and instantly resolved hassles among friends. Undoubtedly, these words, when uttered, can soften a stony heart. However, there are some persons whose hearts can never be softened by these words maybe because their problems are more powerful than these words. Lol! All English users should cultivate the habit of using these words to ensure peaceful coexistence among one another in society.
These words are:
1. Please
The word, ‘please’, is a very powerful word that should be used by English users when making a request as it can make the person you are addressing do whatever you ask of him/her.
Examples:
Please, can I take your book?
Could you please sign my course form?
2. Sorry/I’m Sorry
Generally, people hardly say the word, ‘sorry’, or the phrase, ‘I am sorry’, to others. Perhaps they feel that they are accepting responsibility for what they didn’t do if they say it.
A simple ‘sorry’ or ‘I am sorry’ can heal a very deep cut or wound. If you offended someone knowingly or unknowingly and the person approached you to tell you that you offended him/her, you could simply say, ‘I am sorry’ to the person rather than justifying your actions. As simple as it may seem, ‘sorry’ or ‘I am sorry’ can completely eliminate the grudge that person has for you.
Example
Sorry for the other day/I’m sorry for the other day.
3. Pardon me
‘Pardon me’ is another magic word in English that usually comes after ‘sorry’ because you must first accept your fault before you can ask for pardon. I don’t think there is anybody who will not forgive/pardon a person who accepts his fault and ask for forgiveness. This word can make the person whose pardon you need stop any negative plan he/she has for you. Therefore, let’s use it when necessary.
4. Excuse Me
Another magic word which learners of English have actually changed its meaning is ‘excuse me’. For example, girls, most times, playfully say to their friends, ‘Excuse me, dor…..!’ Do you know what they mean by this? Please tell me if you do.
Using this word when necessary shows how decent you are. It can save you from lots of trouble. Instead of saying, ‘abeg comot for road make I pass or see something’, you can simply say, ‘excuse me’. When this is done, the person you are addressing will gently go off the way for you.
On the other hand, ‘excuse me’ can also mean ‘pardon me’ or ‘forgive me’. For example, ‘He excused me of my transgressions.’ This simply means that he has forgiven your transgressions.
5. Thank you
You won’t be happy if you did something for someone and the person refused to say, ‘thank you’. Will you? ‘Thank you’ is a magic word because it has the power to spur someone who has done something for you to do more. Therefore, let’s learn to always say, ‘Thank you’.
In sum, as users of the English language, we should always patronize the aforementioned magic words by using them when necessary to ensure peaceful coexistence among one another in society.
Here’s where all the magic (sense 2b) begins: with magic.
The word magic goes back to the 1300s, and it originally referred to rituals, incantations, or actions thought to have supernatural power over the natural world. This is the sort of magic that shows up in the Harry Potter series, and the kind that the people accused of witchcraft in 17th-century Massachusetts were accused of performing. By the 1700s, magic had also come to refer to anything that seemed like a supernatural power
…there’s magic in thy majesty!
— William Shakespeare, A Winter’s Tale, 1616
and by the 1800s, magic was also applied to the tricks and sleights of hand that conjurers and magicians did.
But the word has its origins in something that’s not necessarily magical in any modern sense. The word comes from an ancient Iranian word, borrowed into Greek, that gave us the names of the Magi.
For those not up on their Christmas lore, the Magi are three men, sometimes reckoned as kings, priests, or astrologers, who traveled from their homes east of Israel upon reading a portent in the sky (a star) in order to pay homage to the infant Jesus. The name Magi was also given to a hereditary class of Zoroastrian priests of the ancient Medes or Persians—though this use of the word Magi in English comes several hundred years after the name given to the traditional «Three Wise Men.» (Magi is plural: magus is the singular.)
The root from which both magus and magic stem refers to a sorcerer. The Old Persian magûs also gave us a word familiar to gamers: mage.
When we think of magic tricks, we generally think of discrete feats that require dexterity and ingenuity in order to make people believe something that isn’t true: the «pick a card» trick, or the «disappearing coin» trick, or sawing a person in half. Fun and games. But the original trick was not so light-hearted. When trick first appeared in writing in the 15th century, it referred to something used to deceive or defraud people: we have evidence of «unknightly tricks» and «false tricks» going back to the early 1400s. The writers aren’t referring to a type of harmless prestidigitation: these tricks are mean-spirited stratagems and lies. This makes some sense if you know that trick is from the Latin tricari, which means «to behave evasively» or «shuffle.»
In time, however, trick began to undergo softening, and by the 1600s, it was also used to refer to more light-hearted pranks and jokes. That’s not to say that trick still didn’t retain some tinge of disparagement. For a few centuries, trick also referred to a stupid action undertaken without any forethought, and the use of trick in phrases like «up to your old tricks» refers to a habit or peculiarity of personality that is considered undesirable as often as not.
The magic trick meaning was an extension of the «prank, hoax» meaning. It came into use in the 1600s first in reference to jugglers, and then in reference to conjurers and magicians.
But if trick only goes back to the 15th century…what did we call a trick before trick? There are a number of now archaic and obsolete words that filled that role, but one that has survived into the modern era is craft.
First and foremost, it’s sleight with an e and not slight without an e. The confusion is understandable: sleight and slight are homophones.
Sleight of hand is a 16th-century term that initially referred to manual dexterity, but soon thereafter became associated with tricks that required manual dexterity, like juggling, and then tricks that required manual dexterity and that fool the eye, like tricks in which cards and coins seem to disappear and reappear in places the audience doesn’t expect.
While many see sleight of hand as a marvel, others have latched onto the «trick» part of sleight of hand: the term now can also refer to skill in general deception.
Banks have been shedding risky assets to show regulators that they are not as vulnerable as they were during the financial crisis. In some cases, however, the assets don’t actually move—the bank just shifts the risk to another institution. This trading sleight of hand has been around Wall Street for a while.
— Susanne Craig, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2013
If magic has a verb, it’s conjure. The verb refers to bringing something about or affecting something by magic («The magician conjured up a rabbit out of thin air») or as if by magic («We conjured up a brilliant plan»). Conjure implies the act of making something out of nothing, or of making something suddenly appear without warning.
Its original meaning in English, however, refers to binding someone to do something by making them swear an oath. Conjure comes ultimately from the Latin prefix con-, «with,» and jurare, «to swear.»
The path between the two conjures isn’t as circuitous as one might imagine. As soon as conjure appeared in English prose, it gained a very particular application that gave it mystical overtones: it referred to summoning a devil or spirit and binding it to a particular action.
This jump from the corporeal to the metaphysical realm laid the groundwork for conjure‘s use in the magical arts to refer to summoning (or seeming to summon) something out of thin air.
There is one more branch stemming from the original bind with an oath meaning: conjure was used historically to refer to beseeching or pleading with someone. It was a favorite of Sir Walter Scott’s:
I asked this interview, to conjure that you will break off all intercourse with our family.
— Sir Walter Scott, Peveril, 1823
Most of us are familiar with charm as it refers to a quality that makes someone or something likable or attractive: a vacation getaway with charm, a TV host that radiates charm. But charm has magical origins.
When it first came into English in the 14th century, charm referred to the act of chanting or reciting a magic spell:
Ich haue saued with þis charme Of men and of wymmen meny score þousend. [I have saved, with this charm, many thousand score men and women.]
— William Langland, Piers Plowman, 1393
If you’ve read the Harry Potter books, you’ll recognize that Rowling uses the original meaning of charm in her series to refer to a type of magic. Charm comes ultimately from the Latin word canere, which means «to sing or chant.»
But the «spell» meaning of charm quickly broadened. In short order, charm also came to refer to anything believed to have the magical properties of a spell. We still use this sense today when we refer to «good-luck charms» like rabbit’s feet, and it also weakened and gave us another modern meaning we ascribe to charm: small ornaments worn on a bracelet or chain.
Today’s common meaning of charm, however, is an extension of the original «incantation» meaning. In the late 1500s, charm started to refer to anything that seemed to put someone under a spell—Shakespeare talks about the «charm of looks» in Romeo and Juliet—and by the 1600s, charm had come to refer to an attractive quality that drew people as if they were under a spell.
Conjure up an image of a stage magician in tux and red-lined cape, waving a wand over an upended top hat. The magician exclaims «Abracadabra!» and the magic happens.
Abracadabra isn’t just an impressive-sounding nonsense word passed down from one generation of magicians to another. Originally, abracadabra was itself magic.
Our earliest attestation of abracadabra is from a Latin poem about medicine and other medical matters. (There are many theories regarding its pre-Latin history, but none of those theories are supported by evidence.) The word itself was a charm to protect against bad luck, illness, or evil. It was supposed to be written on a piece of papyrus multiple times, with the final letter of the word being dropped on each line until the word was reduced to a single letter: a. The charm, which looked like a diminishing triangle, was worn in an amulet or carried by the petitioner. Whatever evil had befallen the charm-holder, it was supposed to diminish along with the word abracadabra.
By the time abracadabra came into English in the 16th century, it was no longer a physical charm, but was an incantation to protect against evil. Over successive centuries, the word abracadabra lost much of its mystical potency: by the 19th century, it had become the word we associate with conjurers, and had gained a meaning of «nonsense.»
Like abracadabra, we associate the word hocus-pocus with the execution of some trick of transformation. The term itself has undergone some sort of tricky transformation as well.
When it first came into English in the early 1600s, hocus-pocus was used specifically to refer to jugglers. One 17th-century writer suggests that it was actually the name of a particular juggler or conjurer and was modeled on the fake Latin he used in his act. Another 17th-century writer gets more specific: conjurers use hocus-pocus in mockery of the moment in the Catholic mass in which the Eucharist elements are transformed into the physical body and blood of Jesus Christ. At that point in the Latin mass, the priest says hoc est corpus, «this is the body.» To mimic the Latin mass adds to the mystery of a trick’s reveal.
It is true that by the end of the 1600s, hocus-pocus was used to refer to any sleight of hand, as a conjurer’s cry, and as a word that referred to any sort of trickery or nonsense. But all the stories about its origin are a bunch of hocus-pocus. Etymologists think that is was probably created in imitation of Latin, but the story about the juggler’s name and the mockery of the mass both appeared after hocus-pocus showed up in print, meaning that they are suspect.
Magic Words: A Dictionary
Magic Words: A Dictionary is a one-of-a-kind resource for magicians and word lovers, exploring the most intriguing magic words and phrases from around the world. 720 essay-style entries touch upon magic words’ multiple meanings, auras of mystery, origins and history, popular variations, amusing trivia, and fascinating examples of usage from literature and popular culture. Sources range from prominent modern stage magicians to their distant ancestors: the hierophants of ancient Egypt; the high priests, medicine men, sorcerers, and alchemists of the Middle Ages; the necromancers and wizards of legend and fairy tale; and the workers of wonders and miracles throughout history—all performers of their day, seeking to mystify, to enchant, and to entertain. This dictionary showcases those powerful words that give shape and form to a magician’s ungraspable feats, like a piece of silk, or that conjure up a puzzling new reality, like smoke and mirrors.
Our current fascination with magic words lies in the revival of interest in the art of close-up magic and grand illusions that began in the late twentieth-century and has continued into the twenty-first, fueled by the work of such performers as Lance Burton, David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, David Blaine, and Jeff McBride. Magic words are naturally as old as conjuring itself, echoes of the rhythm and vibration of creative power. Medieval conjurors first began using exotic words to give their performances an air of authentic secret knowledge. Whether they employed pseudo-Latin phrases, nonsense syllables, or esoteric terms from religious antiquity, these magicians were doing far more than merely adding a bit of enigmatic audio to their visuals. They were enhancing their specific illusions with a universal mystery: language as an instrument of creation. A great many magic words have stood the test of time, passed on from master to apprentice, generation through generation, to find expression on the modern stage and street. These ancient, musical, poetic incantations have a profound—but not necessarily unfathomable—mystique. From the familiar but oft-perplexing classics like abracadabra, alakazam, hocus pocus, presto-chango, shazam, and sim sala bim, to lesser known gems like the tongue-twisting tirratarratorratarratirratarratum, to whimsical modern inventions like izzy wizzy let’s get busy, these venerable magic words and phrases warrant a serious, scholarly tribute and indeed have earned a place of honor in their own special dictionary.
There is profound meaning in the clichéd image of a magician pulling a rabbit out of an empty hat with the magic word abracadabra. The magician is speaking an ancient Hebrew phrase that means “I will create with words.” He is making something out of nothing, echoing that famous line from Genesis: “Let there be light, and there was light,” only in this case the light is a white rabbit and perhaps a flash of fire. The magic word, whether it be abracadabra or another of the magician’s choosing, resonates with the audience because there is an instinctive understanding that words are powerful, creative forces. “The word has always held an ancient enchantment for humans,” says scholar Ted Andrews. “It hints of journeys into unseen and unmapped domains.” This dictionary seeks to reinstate dignity to the treasury of magic words that have lost some of their sparkle over the years, as well as to celebrate and codify the new magic words that magicians are adding to the lexicon every day. This dictionary is testament to the magic of language and urges magicians to reinvest their incantations with that primitive power everyone remembers at the deepest level. Whether the reader is a professional illusionist, an amateur at sleight-of-hand, or simply a word lover intrigued by the power of language, this dictionary is meant to enlighten and inspire everyone to create pure wonder and awe whenever they speak.
read the introduction online now »
Chapter 1 » “A Tip of the Hat”
NOTE: We have been pleased to offer the entire contents of Magic Words: A Dictionary for free online viewing since 2004. As of October 2008 we are delighted to offer the dictionary in print by Weiser Books, available from your local bookstore or through online retail channels.
PRAISE FOR MAGIC WORDS
“[A]n impressive work. . . . The ‘take away’ I had from this book has less to do with the amusing words and their definitions, and more to do with a thoughtful consideration of the role of the magic word in my own work.”
—Brad Henderson, MAGIC, The Magazine for Magicians
“If David Lynch and Jorge Luis Borges created a book the result would be something very much like the writings of Craig Conley. As with those artists, Craig’s work creates truly remarkable and subtle effects. His books are ones to dream with and learn from.”
—Lawrence Hass, Ph.D., philosopher, magician, and author of Transformations
“I am in awe of the volume and variety of the usages and references discussed: the research seems monumental. . . . Yes, it will not only give you the importance of magic words, the kinds of magic words used under what circumstances, what the public (as expressed through references in literature) thinks about magic words and what are magic words, it will help you understand magic and your relationship to it. Recommended as a very useful resource for those who think and care.”
—Phil Willmarth, Linking Ring Magazine
“Magic Words is more than a dictionary — it is an impassioned call to writers, magicians and laypeople to bring magic back into their vocabulary. It is, in fact, an incantation calling forth the demons hidden within our speech, and no reader will finish this book without succumbing to its spell.
Let there be no doubt about it: Conley is on a mission to promote literacy, and his love of words possesses the cabbalistic reverence of an alchemist in pursuit of gold. For it is in the meaning of each word, of each letter of each word, that we discover the mysterious powers of language — or, as the author puts it, it is the inherent enchantment of the word that gives literature its magical influence. And this book will influence you in a most magical way.”
—Anthony Marais, author of The Cure
“This 352 page dictionary of magic words was a real hoot to review, I had a blast just thumbing through the pages and learning about myths, origins, trivia and other cool stuff. I even learned how to summon zombies and bring big changes into my life. I also found the illustrations and icons to be very helpful with the process.
I must tell you I knew of some magic words from books and movies, but I never imagined there were so many and even how they came to be in the first place. I think this voluminous teacher will go a long way in helping anyone broaden their horizons. I would recommend it to those who enjoy learning. Thanks Craig, for the interesting and informative experience.”
—Riki Frahmann, Mystic Living Today
“Words are inherently magical for the writer—also frustrating, obtuse, enchanting and expressive in various moments and times. We struggle with them, delight in them, and weave them together to form significant combinations. Dictionaries are our friends, lists of synonyms our best buddies, and there are many of us who take simple delight in the well-turned phrase.
Craig Conley has given us a gift beyond regard: a dictionary of 720 of the words used by (stage) magicians throughout the ages. Who can forget the shiver of delight we felt when hearing ‘open sesame’ in the tale of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves? Or the eternal Abracadabra! and Hocus Pocus? Now we know where they originated, with their meanings, in combinations, and source material.
But this is no common dictionary! Conley clearly loves words: ‘Hocus Pocus: These primal, rhyming syllables echo the transcendental incantations of Latin rites, reverberating through hallowed cloisters. They invoke an ancient, unworldly power, especially when enunciated slowly and authoritatively.’ (p. 327)
Highly recommended for anyone with a taste for words.”
—Lisa Mc Sherry, Facing North
“The first 48-pages of Magic Words are utterly fascinating, with Conley an engaging tour guide through literary, philosophical, cultural and spiritual landscapes—realms dotted with landmarks that pay homage to the power of magical utterances (and, sometimes, even to silence and mysterious glyphs).
Not only does Conley offer examples of poetic incantations and the mysterious power of words in his introduction, but he also provides fascinating insight into the vocabulary of ritual (and why we get the giggles during solemn occasions!), the four archetypes of the Magician, and our ability to imbue ‘ordinary’ moments with the magic of both cadence and connation.
The rest of Magic Words is dedicated to, well, magic words!
With word origins, facts, variations, meanings, mystique and appearances in literature, this A to Z guide offers a mind-boggling array of information to be mined by would-be magicians, entertainers, writers and artists.”
—Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book [Read Full Review]
“I just got Magic Words: A Dictionary. What fun! Magic words taken from literature, plays, movies; all the way from Ovid to Shakespeare to Ronald Hutton to J.K. Rowling! Each word is presented as a word (with variations, if any) and then in a quote, and then meanings are given from many historical sources.
It would be interesting to sprinkle them in my conversation or journal writing or even for magic! Alakazam and abracadabra and hocus pocus, but also Hola Noa Massa, and Lit Flitt Latt Flight, and Shubismack. They are even just fun to say.
There is also an Appendix of ‘magic words’ used by people in various professions — ‘action’ for movies, ‘troubleshoot’ for computer technicians.”
—Chela’s Amazon.com review
“Craig Conley, bless him, has given us plenty of literary treats — but his Magic Words: A Dictionary is one of the excellentest. The entries are essay-style, so they’re fun to read (like I would ever recommend anything that wasn’t), and feature words and symbols from around the world — each with its own etymology, as well as mythical, historical, and cultural background. Illustrations of symbols and icons are included where applicable. Bippity boppity boo.” —“Books by Design: Reference Books You’ll Actually Use”
“Any interested in the words and philosophy of Wicca and magic will find Magic Words a fascinating dictionary packed with magic words and phrases from around the world. Over seven hundred essay-style entries probe the origins of magical words, their history, and their variations. Sources range from ancient Medieval alchemists to modern necromancers and magical legends, making for a fine trivia and study reference.”
—Diane C. Donovan, California Bookwatch
“. . . No matter how you approach it, Conley has given us a delightful resource that entertains, informs, and inspires. If only more books, especially those for magicians, offered as much.”
—Gordon Meyer, author of Smart Home Hacks [Read Full Review]
“A most extraordinary book.”
—Steve Spill, magician and founder of Magicopolis
“Recommended for the incantophile!”
—James Callan, Quiz Quiz Bang Bang
“A dictionary of words with power, including the derivation of many of them. A great resource for ceremonial magicians or anyone seeking to create their own spells.”
—Isis Books
“Craig Conley is as intimately familiar with the magic of words as he is with the words of magic. His masterful, dazzling blend of scholarship and showmanship results in the perfect tribute to this spectacular subject. Professional magicians seeking inspiration, serious researchers seeking insights, and casual readers seeking entertainment will be equally well rewarded by a ride on Conley’s magic carpet.”
—Jonathan Caws-Elwitt, playwright
“A brilliant book for fans of magic. MAGIC WORDS is a must-read for those of us who write about magic. It starts with a scholarly (and entertaining) essay about the power of words to mystify and dazzle, then includes entries and definitions for magic words humans have used throughout history. If you’re looking for just the spell to bind your readers to your story, it may well be in this book. (It’s also a hoot if you enjoy learning things like this: Phblthplbht is a magic word for conjuring an iron will.)”
—Martha Brockenbrough, author of It Could Happen To You: Diary Of A Pregnancy and Beyond
“There is magic and dreams do come true.”
—Diana Page Jordan, Multi-media Entrepreneur
“Truly words of magic about magic words!”
—Bill Wisch, creator of “The Magic Word” program
“This is a great book. Loads of fun to browse through and stimulate understandings and possibilities. . . . fascinating information that is stimulating for the creation of either tricks or presentations, being quite difficult to let go of.”
—Robert Neale, author of The Magic Mirror
“A fascinating piece of scholarship, and an invitation to wonder.”
—Bernie DeKoven, author of The Well Played Game
“Too often we forget the real Magic in our lives. Craig Conley is a student of Wonder, and like all true Wonder Experiencers, he is moved to share that. Mr. Conley reminds us to open our eyes, minds, ears and hearts to the Wonder within and without. Those of us who travel along such paths are ever grateful for Those Few who travel with us in spirit. Craig Conley is one of Those Few.”
—Kenton Knepper (The Mystic of Magic), author of Wonder Words
“This critter will definitely expand your vocabulary and repertoire.”
—Bernie (xyzzy)
“Useful . . . entertaining.”
—Taylor Ellwood, author of Pop Culture Magick
“A Magic Masterpiece!”
—Magic-Al Garber, creator of “It’s a Magic-Al World!”
“Contains notes on everything from the fractal magic word abacaba-dabacaba to the typographically charged zxcvbnm, and a few more besides.”
—Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America
“Wonderful.”
—Graham P. Collins, editor of Scientific American
“Magic can be within your grasp if you take a look at some of these print and web resources.
. . . Amateur magicians can learn more about the different magic tricks and magic words that professional magicians use.” —Evelyn Khoo, The Wizard’s Bookshelf
“A wealth of information for the aspiring magician.”
—Spooky Librarians
“Fascinating! A book about the origins of magic words. This will be of interest to those into stage magic as well as occultism.”
—Aaron Leitch
“An engrossing resource.”
—Neil Tobin, magician
“Another great book from Craig Conley.”
—Andy Martin
“Craig Conley uses the language as Salvador Dali used paint.”
—Natasha K., voice artist
Examples of traditional and modern magic words include:
- Abracadabra u2013 magic word used by magicians.
- Ajji Majji la Tarajji u2013 Iranian magic word (Persian).
- Alakazam u2013 a phrase used by magicians.
- Hocus pocus u2013 a phrase used by magicians.
- Jantar Mantar Jadu Mantar u2013 a phrase used by magicians in India.
Thereof What is the most powerful spell? 1 Avada Kedavra Is The Ultimate Unforgivable Curse
As the most sinister of Unforgivables, Avada Kedavra u2013 the Killing Curse u2013 is an incredibly powerful spell that is a favorite of Lord Voldemort’s.
What is the most powerful spell in magic? Let’s take a look at the 10 most powerful instant spells in Magic: The Gathering.
- 1 Ancestral Recall. Finally, our pick for the best instant card in Magic: The Gathering is Ancestral Recall.
- 2 Dark Ritual. …
- 3 Swords To Plowshares. …
- 4 Mana Drain. …
- 5 Lightning Bolt. …
- 6 Berserk. …
- 7 Terminate. …
- 8 Cyclonic Rift. …
Subsequently, What are the 77 spells in Harry Potter? Warner Bros.
- Aberto – Opens locked doors.
- Accio – Summons objects.
- Aguamenti – Summons water.
- Alohomora – Unlocks objects.
- Anapneo – Clears someone’s airway.
- Aparecium – Reveals secret, written messages.
Here are the five essential magic words for kids to learn:
- Thank You. Thank you is the word they need to say to express gratitude towards generosity and any help they received from others unsolicited or not. …
- Sorry. …
- Excuse Me. …
- May I. …
- Please.
What is the oldest magic? The oldest magic trick is the lota bowl trick. While we have evidence to suggest that people were performing feats of strange magic or illusion for even longer, the lota bowl trick circa 3000 BCE is the earliest known instance of a magic trick in the modern sense.
What are golden words? Please, sorry and thank you are known as the Golden Words. Using these three words means you have good manners. Remember, everyone likes children who have good manners.
What is magic e words? Magic E Rule: The magic E rule states when the letter “e” sits at the end of the word, it is usually silent and the “magical” E tells the first vowel or the preceding vowel to say its name or long sound. The magic e vowels are as follows: a_e, i_e, o_e and u_e.
What are the four golden words?
We always try to teach the golden words to our children. The golden words of being polite: Thank you, Sorry, May I, Please, Excuse me.
How can I do real magic? Editors Pick
- Learn to do a couple tricks well. Mastering a card trick or a couple coin tricks that you can perform repeatedly is enough to put on magic shows. …
- Practice, practice, practice. …
- Remember that magic is acting. …
- Perform for an audience as often as you can. …
- Don’t be nervous. …
- Add your personal touch.
Who started magic?
Magic has a long and varied history and has captivated and enthralled people for over 2,500 years. The first recorded magic act was by the magician Dedi who performed his tricks in Ancient Egypt in 2,700 B.C. He is credited with the first cups and balls magic trick.
What is grim magic? Grim Magic is a dangerous type of Magic that can harm, hurt and destroy others. Unlike other magic, Grim Magic has been shown to be able to affect Nekross.
What is magic words for kids?
Magic words are simple words used while interacting with others that portray good manners and leaves everyone with a pleasant feeling, says parenting social media expert and parenting blogger, Adedayo Tosin Olufemi. It shows our sense of responsibility and tells even strangers that we are well-behaved and groomed.
What are the 3 magical words?
“Please, Sorry, and Thank You” are the three magic words. The significance of these three magical phrases is sometimes overlooked. We seldom use these terms because we are unaware of their importance.
Is sorry a magic word? Sorry’ and ‘thank you’ may be quick to articulate, but they can have a long-term impact on any relationship. They are words that convey respect for another person. …
What are some r controlled words? Controlled Ar words are words like: “Bar, Car, Far, Hard, Lard, Tar, and Star.” In these words the “Ar” produces the sound of the Letter Name “R.” Long A Words that are not controlled by the letter R make the “air” sound and some examples of these words are: “Air, Fair, Care, Dare, Stare, and Scare.”
How do I learn e magic?
A simple explanation of the Magic e rule is “An ‘e’ close behind another vowel (with no more than one letter in between) usually makes the first vowel say its name, and the ‘e’ is usually silent.” Using a story to teach this rule is often helpful.
How do you read AE? The pair ‘ae’ or the single mushed together symbol ‘æ’, is not pronounced as two separate vowels. It comes (almost always) from a borrowing from Latin. In the original Latin it is pronounced as /ai/ (in IPA) or to rhyme with the word ‘eye’. But, for whatever reason, it is usually pronounced as ‘/iy/’ or “ee”.
What are three magical words?
“Please, Sorry, and Thank You” are the three magic words. The significance of these three magical phrases is sometimes overlooked. We seldom use these terms because we are unaware of their importance. These three words are the golden words of being polite.
What is magic power? 1. magical power – an ability to perform magic. magical ability. ability – the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment.
Is Magic for humans real?
QUESTION: Is Magic for Humans Real or Fake? ANSWER: It’s real! That means Magic for Humans films authentic reactions on the streets of Los Angeles and doe not use any camera tricks. There are NO actors, NO paid stooges, NO CGI, or NO special editing.
How do you do levitation?
Why is it called magic?
The root word for magic (Greek: mageia; Latin: magia) derives from the Greek term magoi, which refers to a Median tribe in Persia and their religion, Zoroastrianism. … These texts also reveal the practice of necromancy, invoking the spirits of the dead, who were regarded as the last defense against evil magic.
Who is the father of magic? Magicians around the world have long revered Robert-Houdin as the “Father of Modern Magic,” a spiritual paternity reaffirmed twenty years after his death by the adoring young American magician Eric Weiss’s choice of the Italianized stage-name “Houdini.” Among magicians in his native France, Robert-Houdin generally …
What magicians can you name?
The Top 10 Magicians of Our Time
- 01 of 10. David Copperfield. Roy Rochlin / Getty Images. …
- 02 of 10. Doug Henning. United Archives via Getty Images / Getty Images. …
- 03 of 10. Siegfried and Roy. Buyenlarge / Getty Images. …
- 04 of 10. Lance Burton. …
- 05 of 10. Ricky Jay. …
- 06 of 10. Mark Wilson. …
- 07 of 10. Penn and Teller. …
- 08 of 10. Harry Anderson.
What is a spellbook? A grimoire (/ɡrɪmˈwɑːr/ grim-WAHR) (also known as a “book of spells” or a “spellbook”) is a textbook of magic, typically including instructions on how to create magical objects like talismans and amulets, how to perform magical spells, charms and divination, and how to summon or invoke supernatural entities such as …
What is spell book? Noun. spellbook (plural spellbooks) A book of magic spells.
Where does magic come from?
The Western conception of magic is rooted in the ancient Judeo-Christian and Greco-Roman heritage. The tradition took further shape in northern Europe during the medieval and early modern period before spreading to other parts of the globe through European exploration and colonialism after 1500.
Don’t forget to share this post 🖤
There’s this one word—a magical little one—that lets us parents balance for our children so much complexity in a single sentiment. It’s not our typical go-to words, like love, or care, or concern. This one is more subtle, and yet so much more powerful precisely because it often doesn’t stand out.
This magical word is and, and its power comes when we replace it for but. Compared to but, which negates, and doesn’t wipe away one perspective for the next; and layers and makes more nuanced a single perspective.
Source: LightFieldStudios/iStock
Consider for a moment the impact of statements such as these made to a child:
1) I can see that what your brother did really hurt your feelings and I’m glad that you shared them with me.
To be contrasted with:
I can see that what your brother did really hurt your feelings but I’m glad that you shared them with me.
Here the and deepens and differentiates the feeling the child walks away with—the first half of the statement helps the child feel seen and understood, while the second underscores the meaning and significance of the act of the child’s sharing of his/her feelings with you, the parent. The message the child will internalize from this interaction is that when feelings are shared with a trusted person, increases in closeness can be the result.
In the but statement, the same two perspectives are presented, with a key difference: the but acts as if to wipe the child’s hurt out of the picture, replacing it with what could emerge as the more important part of the message, which reflects the parent’s glad feelings about the sharing. Uttering this latter statement runs the risk that the child will not feel his feelings are heard by the parent or that the child will feel that his feelings are unimportant relative to the parent’s gladness. But when connected with the all-powerful and, the two perspectives harmonize to create a richer tapestry of perspectives for the child.
2) I’m excited about what you’re doing and I’m also concerned you might fall.
To be contrasted with:
I’m excited about what you’re doing but I’m also concerned you might fall.
Here the and presents two different emotions to the child, both held by the parent, acknowledging they exist at the same time and in the same space, without either one erasing the existence of the other. At once honoring what is likely to be the child’s own feelings about the behavior in question (e.g., excitement, interest, enthusiasm) and also acknowledging that there may be risk involved in what the child is doing. This statement is more likely to encourage the child to choose to reconsider what s/he is doing without feeling criticized and without having his own enjoyment diminished, wiped away, or unseen.
3) It seems like you wanted to show her something and she felt that you weren’t listening to her.
To be contrasted with:
It seems like you wanted to show her something but she felt that you weren’t listening to her.
Same story here in a different situation. The risk of but here is that the child may feel that the other kid’s emotions trump hers.
This amazing little word, so short and yet so potent, enables your statement to hold two feelings at the same time, presenting to the child a world in which two seemingly incompatible perspectives or feelings can coexist without breaking the laws of the universe. In so doing, this magical and teaches the child that this version of the world exists. The message implies a message regarding the nature of people’s minds, including the child’s own—that complexity exists, is acceptable and coherent, and can help guide us to a place where we feel both centered around our own feelings without feeling like this comes at the cost of overlooking feedback from our environments.
The ability to do this, which psychologists refer to as “mentalizing,” involves being able to hold in mind other people’s thoughts and feelings even when they differ from one’s own, and is a strong predictor of positive relationships and mental health outcomes. Similarly, being able to offer to your child an alternate perspective—a silver lining or another way of seeing things—without erasing the empathy and understanding your child needs from you…is priceless. It takes some practice to get right at first—and it’s a small and wonderfully subtle gift one can give their child each day.
Magicians are known to recite magic words when performing a trick. I decided to research and gather the most common things said by magicians. Here are the most popular magic words magicians say:
- Wallah (Voila)
- Abracadabra
- Tada
- Sim Sala Bim
- Shazam
- Hocus Pocus
- Alakazam
- Open Sesame
- Presto Chango
- Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo
- A La Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Magic words are spoken to make the magic happen and designate the moment the magic takes place. Usually they are said while waving a wand. The most important reason why magicians choose specific magic words is they sound good and roll off the tongue. Some magic words are derived from meaningful words though this isn’t a huge consideration.
PHRASES MAGICIANS USE
The most popular and well known magic words are Wallah, Abracadabra, and Tada. I discuss each of these in depth below. What you will notice about the magic words and phrases listed above is they all are fun and easy to say. Magic words aren’t meant to be meaningful and serious. They are used with kids and therefore have to be silly and funny. There is a lot of theory regarding the origin of magic words, people are overthinking it.
When a magician calls a kid up on stage the kid may be asked to say the magic words. This is the reason the words have to be easy to say and remember. This is critical in choosing the right magic words. A kid on stage saying the magic words and waving a wand is very entertaining to watch. This adds tremendously to the show and is used by all magicians.
Sim Sala Bim was made popular by the magician Dante in the early 1900s. He said it in a very deep and convincing voice. Try it yourself, it is fun to say. Shazam and Alakazam sound similar and are also fun to say. Both have been adopted into pop culture as movie titles and Pokemon characters. Presto Chango comes from the word presto (quickly). This is said by magicians when changing one object into another.
Hocus Pocus, which originally referred to jugglers, is often used to describe anything tricky. “Watch the magician as he does some “hocus pocus.” This phrase has become a big part of pop culture and is the title of a great movie. One of the funniest magic word phrases I have ever heard is “hocus pocus chicken bones choke us.” There is no meaning, it just rhymes and rolls off the tongue. Perfect for kids!
Ala Peanut Butter Sandwiches was said by The Amazing Mumford on Sesame Street. Since that show is long off the air these magic words aren’t really known or used today.
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo was introduced in the film Cinderella. With a wave of her wand the Fairy Godmother transformed an orange pumpkin into a white carriage, a gray horse into a white-haired coachman, 4 brown mice into white horses, and a brown dog into a white-haired man. Kids still say these magic words today. Again, another feel good phrase that is fun to say.
I don’t perform kids shows. Most of the time when I say a magic word it will be the name of the company or client I am working for. I prefer waving my hand over something to make the magic happen. Out of necessity stage magicians have replaced magic words with sound and smoke effects, music, and flashes of light.
WHY DO MAGICIANS SAY WALLAH
The reason magicians say Wallah is because it sounds great, rolls nicely off your tongue, and tells your audience the trick is over. Wallah has a positive and fun feel to it and is usually sung as if you are holding a note- Wallaaaaaah. The word comes from the French word Voila (Vwa-la) which means “here it is.” Wallah is easier to say than Voila and much clearer, especially for kids.
Wallah is generally said after a trick has taken place. Wallaaaaaah. The magician might also gesture towards something while saying Wallah to show the magic has happened. It serves as an exclamation point and is a major applause cue. It symbolizes the end of a trick and lets the audience know it is time to react.
Some magicians use “Wallah” in a comedic way. If a trick fails or something minimal takes place the magician might say “Wallaaaah.” It is sort of a joke. This technique can be used to build up an effect. When the magic finally happens the crowd will go wild because of all the tension created.
Wallah has carried over into pop culture and is even said by non-magicians. For example, let’s say someone accidentally drops a glass and it breaks. Instead of getting embarrassed or upset they might look up and say “Wallaaaaaah.” It is like saying “this is what I meant to do,” in a joking way. Everyone knows what this means and will laugh or smile. This is a fun and light hearted way to handle a normal accident. It is very relatable.
WHY DO MAGICIANS SAY ABRACADABRA
The reason magicians say Abracadabra is because it is fun and easy to say, it flows nicely, has a positive feel to it, and signifies the magical moment. Abracadabra has five syllables and it rhymes, which makes it very distinct and understandable, even for small children. The word Abracadabra comes from ancient symbols that were believed to hold magical powers and cast spells.
Abracadabra is recited to make the magic happen. It is the most popular and widely known magic word in the world. Usually it is said in one breath, like you are holding a note- “AbraaaaaaCadabraaaaaa.” If you ask a spectator to say any magic word most of the time they will say Abracadabra. It is also very easy to say, which is important when you involve a kid in a trick and ask them to say it.
Abracadabra is so well known, it has become part of pop culture. It is said by non-magicians every day, mostly in a joking manner. For example, someone might be giving a slide show presentation and as they click a button to go the next slide they might say Abracadabra, as if it happened by magic. This will get a chuckle, everyone knows what they mean and can relate.
WHY DO MAGICIANS SAY TADA
The reason magicians say Tada is because it is easy to pronounce, enthusiastic and fun to say, rolls smoothly off your tongue, and signifies the trick is over. Tada is very positive and you can’t help but smile while saying it. Tada is known by everyone and is usually sung as if you are holding a note- Tadaaaaa.
Tada is said at the moment the magic is revealed. It is usually recited with excitement as if the magician is very proud of what he/she just did. Tada is usually said in a very melodic and entertaining way. Since it is only 2 syllables and they rhyme, it is easy for everyone, including small children, to understand.
Many magicians use Tada in a joking manner. They might say Tada after something small or minimal has taken place, or if they make a mistake. For example, let’s say a magician finds the wrong card. Knowing they have failed, to make the situation light, they might say- Tadaaaaa. People will laugh.
“Tada” is engrained in pop culture. It is a word that is used often and understood by all. Let’s say you pick up a Starbucks for your friend at work. They see you with a coffee and mention they would like one too. You bring out theirs and say, Tadaaaaaa.
WHY DO MAGICIANS SAY OPEN SESAME
The reason magicians say Open Sesame is because it sounds funny, rolls nicely off your tongue, it is easy to understand, it is extremely positive and memorable, and Open Sesame is known to open doors. It is fun to say for both children and adults. Open Sesame originates from the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves where it was recited to open a cave.
Open Sesame has become part of pop culture. I remember as a kid my parents feeding me and to get me to open my mouth they would say “Open Sesame.” It is generally said in a very positive and upbeat manner. It is a light-hearted phrase and loved by all. This is why magicians say it.
There is a famous nightclub called the Magic Castle in Hollywood. In order to enter you must stand in front of the bookshelf and say “Open Sesame.” The bookshelf, as if by magic, opens up and you walk through. It is very cool.
WHY DO MAGICIANS SAY FOR THE FIRST TIME
The reason magicians say For the First Time is to build up the impossibility, suspense, wonder, and magic of a trick. It is usually said right before the reveal of something amazing and leads the audience to a deeper level of conviction. The end of the trick becomes much more incredible, deceptive, and impressive.
A magician might say, “For the first time, name your card.” This emphasizes that there is no way the magician could have known the spectator’s card. “For the First Time” is often said when a magician has a prediction that has been in view the whole time. It stresses the randomness of what is about to happen. “I wrote down one word, for the first time name the word you were thinking of.” “For the first time” adds to the mystery of the magic.
WHAT DO MAGICIANS SAY BEFORE A TRICK
Before a trick takes place magicians have to focus the attention of their audience. Then they say the magic words to make the magic happen. Here is what magicians say before a trick-
- Are you ready?
- Check this out!
- Look, look, look!
- Now!
- Get Ready to be Amazed!
- Abracadabra
- Sim Sala Bim
- Shazam
- Hocus Pocus
- Alakazam
- Open Sesame
- Presto Chango
- Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo
- A La Peanut Butter Sandwiches
WHAT DO MAGICIANS SAY AT THE END OF A TRICK
At the end of trick it is important for a magician to build it up. This makes the magic stronger and more memorable. Here is what magicians say at the end of a trick-
- Wallah
- Tada
- Just a Wave
- Don’t Blink or You’ll Miss It
- For the First Time
- Don’t Look Away
- Is There Any Way…
- Would You Be Impressed…
WHAT DO MAGICIANS SAY AFTER A TRICK
When a trick is over it is important to let your audience know it is time to applaud or react. Here is what magicians say after a trick-
- It’s Magic!
- For My Next Trick.
- Please Give a Round of Applause to My Helper.
- Thank You Very Much.
- You Have Been a Great Audience.
- Do You Want To See Another Trick?
- I Don’t Even Know How It Is Done.
- A Good Magician Never Repeats a Trick.
PLEASE AND THANK YOU MAGIC WORDS
Please and Thank You are the most powerful magic words in the world. If you say them you can get anyone to do anything you ask. Saying Please and Thank You is good manners. Good manners shows respect for others. When people feel respected they want to do things for you. Nobody likes to be commanded. I always say Please and Thank You to my spectators when performing magic. “Please put out your hand.” “Please think of a word.”