Abracadabra
Conjurer's signature utterance
Abracadabra is a mock-magical word spoken when performing a trick or revealing something with theatrical flourish: Abracadabra! The rabbit appeared from the hat.
It suggests instantaneous, effortless transformation—sometimes sarcastically: You can't just say abracadabra and expect the problems to disappear.
The word has ancient origins as a mystical incantation but now belongs mainly to stage magic and playful speech.
Deceptive talk or tricks
- prestoVery fast tempo
- alakazamMagician's incantation word
- open sesameMagical access phrase
- shazamExclamation of magical transformation
spell · charm · enchantment · conjuration · invocation · magic words · sorcery · wizardry
Performer of illusions
- illusionMisleading sensory impression
- trickDeliberate deception
- wandThin ceremonial stick
- hatGarment for the head
rabbit · prestidigitation · sleight of hand · reveal · showmanship · performance · assistant · cape
Worn protective token
- talismanMagical protective charm
- triangleThree-sided plane figure
- protectiveServing to guard
- inscriptionText permanently marked
ancient · occult · esoteric · numerology · sacred · symbol · sigil · mysticism
Meaningless words or actions
- gibberishUnintelligible speech or writing
- mumbo-jumboMeaningless or confusing language
- hogwashFoolish or untrue talk
- balderdashSenseless talk or writing
gobbledygook · rubbish · drivel · poppycock · foolishness · trickery · fakery · charlatanism
hocus-pocus
Deceptive talk or tricks
- prestoVery fast tempo
- alakazamMagician's incantation word
- open sesameMagical access phrase
shazam · spell · charm · enchantment · conjuration · invocation · magic words · sorcery · wizardry · witchcraft
magician
Performer of illusions
hat · rabbit · prestidigitation · sleight of hand · reveal · showmanship · performance · assistant · cape · top hat
amulet
Worn protective token
- talismanMagical protective charm
- triangleThree-sided plane figure
- protectiveServing to guard
inscription · ancient · occult · esoteric · numerology · sacred · symbol · sigil · mysticism · arcane
nonsense
Meaningless words or actions
- gibberishUnintelligible speech or writing
- mumbo-jumboMeaningless or confusing language
- hogwashFoolish or untrue talk
balderdash · gobbledygook · rubbish · drivel · poppycock · foolishness · trickery · fakery · charlatanism · quackery
Abracadabraplain speech
Unembellished verbal expression
everyday language · common parlance · matter-of-fact · prosaic · everyday words
Abracadabrastraight talk
Honest, direct communication
plain English · no-nonsense · matter-of-fact · in layman's terms · cutting to the chase