mumbo jumbo

Meaning

Noun

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

Origin

• Probably from Mandinka maamajomboo ("mask; masked dancer"); or perhaps from /l/-vocalization in the words "mumble" and "jumble".