What Is Mumbo Jumbo?

Mumbo jumbo, or mumbo-jumbo, is confusing or meaningless language. The phrase is often used to express humorous criticism of middle-management, and specialty jargon, such as legalese, that non-specialists have difficulty in understanding. For example, "I don't understand all that legal mumbo jumbo in the fine print."

What does the idiom mumbo jumbo mean?

1 : an object of superstitious homage and fear. 2a : a complicated often ritualistic observance with elaborate trappings. b : complicated activity or language usually intended to obscure and confuse.

Is mumbo jumbo politically correct?

Origins. Mumbo Jumbo is a West African word often cited by historians and etymologists as deriving from the Mandinka word "Maamajomboo", which refers to a masked male dancer who takes part in religious ceremonies. ... On these occasions, the interposition of Mumbo Jumbo is called in; and it is always decisive.