Monday, March 8, 2010

GWD: Mumbo Jumbo

While this one has some provenance, it is squarely in the gnomish linguistic set, embodying gnomish values (especially meanings 2 and 3)...

mum·bo jum·bo
Pronunciation: \ˌməm-bō-ˈjəm-(ˌ)bō\
Function: noun
Etymology: Mumbo Jumbo, a masked figure among Mandingo peoples of western Africa
Date: 1738

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

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