Mumbo jumbo
Definitions
meaningless or incomprehensible language
Describing language or speech that is difficult to understand or seems like nonsensedeceptive or misleading information
Referring to information or talk that is intended to confuse or deceive
Examples of Mumbo jumbo
The sales pitch for the new energy drink was full of mumbo jumbo scientific claims that made it hard to understand what was actually in the product.
The phrase "mumbo jumbo" is used to describe something that is confusing or complicated due to the use of technical terms or jargon. In this example, the sales pitch for the new energy drink is filled with scientific claims that might be difficult to understand for someone who is not familiar with the scientific terminology used. This makes the information seem confusing and overwhelming, similar to the nonsensical and mystical objects called "mumbo jumbo" that were traditionally used in African ritual practices. Overall, the use of mumbo jumbo in the sales pitch misleads the consumer by making exaggerated or confusing claims about the product's benefits.
The politician's speech was filled with mumbo jumbo political jargon that left the audience confused and disillusioned about his true intentions.
In this example, "mumbo jumbo" refers to the excessive use of political jargon and buzzwords that can make a politician's speech difficult to understand. The use of mumbo jumbo political jargon can also be misleading, as it might mask the politician's true intentions or hide the fact that he is not addressing the real issues. This can lead to the audience feeling confused and disillusioned about the politician's true intentions, similar to the mystical and incomprehensible objects called "mumbo jumbo" that were traditionally used in African ritual practices. Overall, the use of mumbo jumbo in politics can lead to a lack of transparency and trust between the politician and the electorate.
The technical manual for the new software program was full of mumbo jumbo instructions that required a degree in computer science to understand.
In this example, "mumbo jumbo" refers to the excessive use of technical or specialized terminology that can make a technical manual difficult to understand. This can be particularly challenging for users who do not have a background in computer science or a similar field, as they might not be familiar with the technical terms used in the manual. This can lead to frustration and confusion, similar to the nonsensical and mystical objects called "mumbo jumbo" that were traditionally used in African ritual practices. Overall, the use of mumbo jumbo in technical manuals can make it difficult for users to learn how to use the software program, which can negatively impact their productivity and efficiency.
The doctor's explanation of my medical condition was full of mumbo jumbo medical jargon that I couldn't understand.
In this example, "mumbo jumbo" refers to the excessive use of medical terminology that can make it difficult for a patient to understand their medical condition. This can be particularly challenging for patients who do not have a background in medicine, as they might not be familiar with the medical terms used by their doctor. This can lead to confusion and anxiety, similar to the nonsensical and mystical objects called "mumbo jumbo" that were traditionally used in African ritual practices. Overall, the use of mumbo jumbo in medical explanations can make it difficult for patients to understand their condition and how to properly manage it, which can negatively impact their overall health and well-being.
The sales pitch for the new product was just a lot of mumbo jumbo.
The speaker is saying that the explanation given by the salesperson about the new product was confusing and unclear, filled with unnecessary or unfamiliar words.
The technical manual provided by the manufacturer was full of mumbo jumbo that I couldn't understand.
The speaker is saying that the instructions given in the manual were complicated and difficult to follow, making it hard for the speaker to understand how to use the product.
The politician's speech was nothing but mumbo jumbo with no real substance.
The speaker is saying that the politician's speech was filled with meaningless or exaggerated statements, without any real information or ideas to support them.
The teacher's explanation of the math concept was just a lot of mumbo jumbo that I couldn't follow.
The speaker is saying that the teacher's explanation of the math concept was confusing and difficult to understand, filled with unfamiliar terms and concepts.
Conclusion
The idiom "mumbo jumbo" is used to describe language or information that is either meaningless and incomprehensible or deceptive and misleading. It is often used to express frustration or skepticism towards unclear or confusing communication.Origin of "Mumbo jumbo"
The origin of the idiom "mumbo jumbo" can be traced back to the early 18th century, where it was used to refer to certain religious practices of West African tribes, particularly the Mandingo and Malinke people. These practices involved chanting and using symbolic objects to invoke spirits or supernatural powers. European explorers and traders who encountered these rituals found them strange and incomprehensible, and thus the term "mumbo jumbo" was coined to describe them.
Over time, the term "mumbo jumbo" came to be used in a more general sense to refer to any kind of language or information that is difficult to understand or seems like nonsense. It also took on connotations of deception or trickery, likely influenced by the negative perceptions of the African religious practices it originally referred to. Today, "mumbo jumbo" is a widely recognized idiom in the English language, used to dismiss confusing or deceptive language or information.