abracadabra

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eberntson
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abracadabra

Postby eberntson » Tue Jan 22, 2013 11:16 pm

exclamation
a word said by conjurors when performing a magic trick.

noun
[mass noun] informal
language used to give the impression of arcane knowledge or power:
I get so fed up with all the mumbo jumbo and abracadabra

1. a mystical word or expression used in incantations, on amulets, etc., as a magical means of warding off misfortune, harm, or illness.
2. any charm or incantation using nonsensical or supposedly magical words.
3. meaningless talk; gibberish; nonsense.

Origin:
1690–1700; < Late Latin, probably < Late Greek, perhaps reflecting recitation of the initial letters of the alphabet; compare abecedary.

More Origin:
late 17th century (as a mystical word engraved and used as a charm to ward off illness): from Latin, first recorded in a 2nd-century poem by Q. Serenus Sammonicus, from a Greek base.

Other Origin: The first known mention of the word was in the third century AD in a book called Liber Medicinalis.

Have found this word in English, German, and French literature and movies.
EBERNTSON
Fear less, hope more;
eat less, chew more;
whine less, breathe more;
talk less, say more,
and all good things will be yours.
--R. Burns

Perry Lassiter
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Re: abracadabra

Postby Perry Lassiter » Wed Jan 23, 2013 1:13 am

Thanks for pointing out the ABCD thing. The laxt BR must have camouflaged it from me.
pl

Philip Hudson
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Re: abracadabra

Postby Philip Hudson » Wed Jan 23, 2013 1:15 am

If one must use a word for mystic or pseudomagical prompts, by all means use abracadabra. Never say "hocus pocus". This is a corruption of the first words of the Latin Mass and is an insult to the entire Christian faith..
It is dark at night, but the Sun will come up and then we can see.

Philip Hudson
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Re: abracadabra

Postby Philip Hudson » Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:26 am

eberntson: Remember abecedarians were the anti-alphabet folk, touting illiteracy as the shining path to righteousness, during the radical phase of the Protestant reformation.
It is dark at night, but the Sun will come up and then we can see.

LukeJavan8
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Re: abracadabra

Postby LukeJavan8 » Tue Jan 29, 2013 1:10 pm

If one must use a word for mystic or pseudomagical prompts, by all means use abracadabra. Never say "hocus pocus". This is a corruption of the first words of the Latin Mass and is an insult to the entire Christian faith..

For sure
HOC EST enim CORPUS Meum: " for This is My Body".
-----please, draw me a sheep-----


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