1 : an object of superstitious homage and fear. 2a : a complicated often ritualistic observance with elaborate trappings. b : complicated activity or language usually intended to obscure and confuse. 3 : unnecessarily involved and incomprehensible language : gibberish.

What does mumbo jumbo mean in African?

Origins. Mumbo Jumbo is a West African word often cited by historians and etymologists as deriving from the Mandinka word "Maamajomboo", which refers to a masked male dancer who takes part in religious ceremonies. ... In its figurative sense, Mumbo Jumbo is an object of senseless veneration or a meaningless ritual.

What does mumbo jumbo mean Swahili?

June 7, 2016. You must have heard somebody refer to a confusingly sounding language as mumbo-jumbo. In Swahili, these two words have actually a real meaning: jambo (jum-boh) means "issue, matter, affair, etc." and mambo (mum-boh) is just its plural form.