# mumbo jumbo

> English word · Noun · IPA /mʌmbəʊˈdʒʌmbəʊ/

## Definitions
1. A deity or other supernatural being said to have been worshipped by certain West African peoples; an idol.
2. Any object of superstition; religious words and/or actions which are seen as superstitious or fraudulent.
3. Any confusing or meaningless speech; nonsense, gibberish.

## Etymology
Probably from Mandinka maamajomboo (“mask; masked dancer”); or perhaps from /l/-vocalization in the words mumble and jumble.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/mumbo-jumbo