Mumbo

/ˈmʌmboʊ/ noun

Definition

Confusing or meaningless talk or language; nonsensical speech or writing (usually in the phrase 'mumbo jumbo').

Etymology

Possibly from Mandinka (West African language) 'mama jumbo,' a name given to a type of masked dancer or spirit. When Europeans heard this term, they associated it with incomprehensible speech.

Kelly Says

Nobody really knows what the 'mumbo' in 'mumbo jumbo' means anymore—it might come from West African masked dancers, making the phrase itself mysteriously incomprehensible, which is perfectly fitting for something meaning 'gibberish'!

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