abracadabra

The story

1. Late Latin · learned borrowing fromabracadabra
2. Late Latin · learned borrowing fromabracadabra
3. English todayabracadabra

Learned borrowing from Late Latin abracadabra.

First known use, by meaning

• from 16th c. A use of the mystical term ‘abracadabra’, supposed to work as part of a healing charm or a magical spell; any spell or incantation making use of the word.
• from 19th c. Mumbo jumbo; obscure language or technicalities; jargon.
• from 19th c. Used to indicate that a magic trick or other illusion has been performed.