Hocus-pocus(把戏)soundsmagicaldoesn’tit?AndthewordcomesfromtheworldofmagicplayinginMedieval(中世纪)Europe.InthedictionaryLongmanDictionaryofContemporaryEnglishhocus-pocusisexplainedthiswayamethodorbelief

Question

Hocus-pocus(把戏) sounds magical doesn’t it ? And the word comes from the world of magic playing in Medieval(中世纪) Europe. In the dictionary Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English hocus-pocus is explained this way a method or belief that you think is based on false ideas e.g. He thinks psychology is a lot of hocus-pocus.

       I’m afraid this explanation isn’t as interesting as the sounding of the word itself. But then again the dictionary I mentioned is a dictionary for beginners. One can’t expect much from it when it comes to such an interesting word as hocus-pocus. The Merriam-Webster dictionary online on the other hand gives a more detailed explanation. (1)sleight of hand; (2)nonsense or sham used especially to cloak （遮掩）deception. And it gives the origin of the word probably from hocus-pocus imitation of a Latin phrase used by magicians.

       This explanation gets to the basic nature of hocus-pocus—exotic(外的) but meaningless talk by the magician to fool the audience. Watch any magician at work and we’ll notice that he sometimes talks constantly _____________ using hocus-pocus such as ear-catching words eye-catching hand or body movements to distract(分散) our attention while he gets a trick done.

       Hocus pocus reveals（揭露） the nonsensical nature of the magician’s talk on stage. And it was introduced into the English language probably just on the strength of the rhyming sound of it. Hocus-pocus lovely.

       Well knowing its origin which is from performing magicians in Europe I’m sure you will find hocus-pocus easier to remember. You’ll also learn where to put it into use.

76.  What is the passage mainly about?(within 9 words)

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77. Please list some examples of using “hocus- pocus” mentioned in the passage. (within 10 words)                  

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78. Fill in the blank in paragraph 3 with proper words. (within 3 words)

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79. Why doesn’t the dictionary Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English give much information ? (within 5 words)

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80. In what situations do you think we can use hocus-pocus? (within 6 words)

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Answer 1

76. It is mainly the origin of Hocus-pocus. / Hocus-pocus. /The origin of Hocus-pocus.

77. 1) Ear-catching words.  2) eye-catching hand movements. 3) eye-catching movements.

78. while performing tricks.

79. Because it is for beginners.

80. On stage. /In certain performances. In public places.