How Do You Spell HOCUS POCUSSED?

Pronunciation: [hˈə͡ʊkəs pˈɒkʌst] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "hocus pocussed" can be a bit confusing, as it contains two sets of the letters "ss" that are pronounced differently. The first "ss" is pronounced as a voiced "z" sound, represented in phonetics by the symbol /z/, as in the word "hocus." The second "ss" is pronounced as an unvoiced "s" sound, represented by the symbol /s/, as in the word "pocussed." This makes the spelling of "hocus pocussed" somewhat irregular, but also adds to the whimsy of the phrase.

HOCUS POCUSSED Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "hocus pocussed" is a combination of two words - "hocus" and "pocus" - which are often used together to describe an act of deception or trickery. This colloquial expression is derived from the phrase "hocus pocus," which originated in the early 17th century and is believed to have been used by magicians during their performances to create an air of mystery and magic.

    In modern usage, "hocus pocussed" refers to an act of being deceived or tricked by someone or something. It implies that the individual or situation in question has utilized cunning or dishonest tactics to manipulate or mislead others. It suggests the presence of an element of illusion or fraud in the process.

    The term is often used figuratively to describe situations where someone feels swindled, tricked, or taken advantage of. It conveys a sense of disbelief or astonishment at being deceived. It can be used in various contexts, such as a person feeling hocus pocussed in a business transaction, political campaign, or personal relationship.

    Overall, "hocus pocussed" is a descriptive phrase that denotes an act of deception or trickery, effectively capturing the sentiment of being misled or fooled.

Common Misspellings for HOCUS POCUSSED

  • hocus pocusqed
  • hocus pocussud
  • hocus pocussmd
  • hocus pocussad
  • hocus pocussgd
  • hocus pocusset
  • hocus pocussel
  • hoecuspocussed
  • h ocus pocussed
  • ho cus pocussed
  • hoc us pocussed
  • hocu s pocussed
  • hocus po cussed
  • hocus poc ussed
  • hocus pocu ssed
  • hocus pocus sed
  • hocus pocuss ed
  • hocus pocusse d

Etymology of HOCUS POCUSSED

The phrase "hocus pocus" is believed to have originated in the early 17th century, although its precise etymology is uncertain. It seems to be derived from a Latin phrase used in the Eucharist or Mass ritual during medieval times, known as the "Hoc est corpus" ("This is the body" in Latin), which refers to the transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.

The connection to magic or trickery likely emerged due to the association of stage magicians and street performers with the phrase. These entertainers would often use incantations and sleight of hand to create illusions and deceive their audience. Over time, "hocus pocus" evolved to refer to any sort of sleight of hand trickery or deception.

As for "hocus pocussed", it appears to be a verb form derived from the phrase "hocus pocus".