2 phrases

Posted by James Briggs on August 08, 2003

In Reply to: 2 phrases posted by sphinx on August 08, 2003

: 1.What does the term "critical year" refer to?

: 2.Why a "hokey-pokey" means a trick? Where did this word come from?

: Thanks!

I can't help with 'critical year' but I think I can help a bit with the other phrase.

I can't find a certain origin, but the expression can be compared with Hocus Pocus. This is the start of a longer mock Latin phrase used by conjurers with the object of distracting the audience from any slight-of-hand. Our word Hoax is probably derived from this mock-Latin and Hanky Panky and Hockey Pockey are possibly variants.

• 2 phrases Henry 08/August/03
  • 2 phrases Bob 08/August/03
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