MUMBO JUMBO • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Mumbo jumbo

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/mˈəmboʊ dʒˈəmboʊ/ Listen

noun

Mumbo Jumbo n.

Among the Mandingos of the western Sudan, a bugbear by means of which the women are terrified and disciplined by societies of the men, one of whom assumes a masquerade for the purpose; hence, loosely, any Negro idol, fetish, or bugaboo. "The miserable Mumbo Jumbo they paraded."

An object of superstitious homage and fear.

Incomprehensible or senseless language, usually intended to avoid answering plainly, confuse a listener, or obscure an issue.

Language so arcane or obscure as to be unintelligible to the listener.

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Etymology of 'Mumbo jumbo'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Mumbo jumbo" Quotes from Famous Books

... but folklore, he said to himself. Nothing more than that. Every one knew it. All intelligent people were nowadays of one religion. The thing was manifestly absurd—the Hebrew fetich was dead—dead as Mumbo Jumbo. "Thank God!" he added inconsequently. He walked faster and faster, and on more than one occasion he brushed hurriedly against some of the brutal frequenters of that part of the world on foggy evenings. A rough lout growled belligerently at him, but shrank from the gladsome light ...

— Bog-Myrtle and Peat - Tales Chiefly Of Galloway Gathered From The Years 1889 To 1895 • S.R. Crockett

... believe you are,' said the man in black, staring at me; 'but, in connection with this Mumbo Jumbo, I could relate to you a comical story about a fellow, an English servant, I once met ...

— The Romany Rye - A Sequel to 'Lavengro' • George Borrow