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{{Selfref|For the use of magic words on Wikipedia, see [[Wikipedia:Magic words]].}}
{{Selfref|For the use of magic words on Wikipedia, see [[Wikipedia:Magic words]].}}
{{dicdef}}
{{Split|date=May 2010}}

'''Magic words''' are words which have a specific, and sometimes unintended, effect. They are often [[nonsense]] phrases used in [[fantasy]] fiction or by [[Magic (illusion)|stage prestidigitators]]. Certain [[comic book]] heroes use magic words to activate their super powers. Magic words are also used as ''[[Easter egg (virtual)|Easter eggs]]'' or cheats in computer games, other software, and [[operating system]]s. (For example, the words ''xyzzy'', ''plugh'', and ''plover'' were magic words in the classic computer adventure game ''[[Colossal Cave Adventure]]'').
'''Magic words''' are words which have a specific, and sometimes unintended, effect. They are often [[nonsense]] phrases used in [[fantasy]] fiction or by [[Magic (illusion)|stage prestidigitators]]. Certain [[comic book]] heroes use magic words to activate their super powers. Magic words are also used as ''[[Easter egg (virtual)|Easter eggs]]'' or cheats in computer games, other software, and [[operating system]]s. (For example, the words ''xyzzy'', ''plugh'', and ''plover'' were magic words in the classic computer adventure game ''[[Colossal Cave Adventure]]'').


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*''Alakazam''
*''Alakazam''
*''[[Cei-u]]'' used by the [[DC Comics]] superhero, [[Johnny Thunder]], to summon his magical genie-like Thunderbolt.
*''[[Cei-u]]'' used by the [[DC Comics]] superhero, [[Johnny Thunder]], to summon his magical genie-like Thunderbolt.
*''[[Hocus Pocus (magic)|Hocus pocus]]'' - a phrase used by magicians.
*''[[Hocus Pocus (magic)|Hocus pocus]]'' - a phrase used by magicians.
*''[[Klaatu barada nikto]]'' - A phrase used in the 1951 movie ''[[The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951 film)|The Day The Earth Stood Still]]''. While not intended as magical words in that movie, they were used as such in the spoof horror movie [[Army of Darkness]].
*''[[Klaatu barada nikto]]'' - A phrase used in the 1951 movie ''[[The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951 film)|The Day The Earth Stood Still]]''. While not intended as magical words in that movie, they were used as such in the spoof horror movie [[Army of Darkness]].
*''Meeska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse'' - used on the children's TV series ''[[Mickey Mouse Clubhouse]]'' to make the Clubhouse appear.
*''Meeska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse'' - used on the children's TV series ''[[Mickey Mouse Clubhouse]]'' to make the Clubhouse appear.
*''[[Open sesame]]'' - used by the character [[Ali Baba]] in the [[English language|English]] version of a tale from the collection popularly known as ''[[1001 Arabian Nights]]''.
*''[[Open sesame]]'' - used by the character [[Ali Baba]] in the [[English language|English]] version of a tale from the collection popularly known as ''[[1001 Arabian Nights]]''.
*''[[Presto chango]]'' or ''Hey Presto'' - used by magicians (probably intended to suggest "quick change").<ref>http://www.magictricks.com/library/glossary.htm</ref>
*''[[Presto chango]]'' or ''Hey Presto'' - used by magicians (probably intended to suggest "quick change"). <ref>http://www.magictricks.com/library/glossary.htm</ref>
*''[[Sim Sala Bim]]'' a phrase used by [[Harry August Jansen]]. Sim Sim Sala Bim" are the magic words said by [[Hadji (character)|Hadji]] on the shows ''[[The Adventures of Jonny Quest]]'' and ''[[The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest]]''. A musical group is called [[Simsalabim]].
*''[[Sim Sala Bim]]'' a phrase used by [[Harry August Jansen]]. Sim Sim Sala Bim" are the magic words said by [[Hadji (character)|Hadji]] on the shows ''[[The Adventures of Jonny Quest]]'' and ''[[The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest]]''. A musical group is called [[Simsalabim]].
*''[[Shazam (comics)|Shazam]]'' - used by the comic book hero [[Captain Marvel (DC Comics)|Captain Marvel]].
*''[[Shazam (comics)|Shazam]]'' - used by the comic book hero [[Captain Marvel (DC Comics)|Captain Marvel]].
*''[[Izzy wizzy, let's get busy]]'' - Used on [[Sooty|The Sooty Show]] when using Sooty's magic [[wand]].
*''[[Izzy wizzy, let's get busy]]'' - Used on [[Sooty|The Sooty Show]] when using Sooty's magic [[wand]].


Craig Conley, a scholar of magic, writes that the magic words used by conjurers may originate from "pseudo-Latin phrases, nonsense syllables, or esoteric terms from religious antiquity," but that what they have in common is "language as an instrument of creation."<ref name="conley">{{Expand section
Craig Conley, a scholar of magic, writes that the magic words used by conjurers may originate from "pseudo-Latin phrases, nonsense syllables, or esoteric terms from religious antiquity," but that what they have in common is "language as an instrument of creation."<ref name="conley">{{
cite book
cite book
| last = Conley
| last = Conley
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| title = Magic Words: A Dictionary (revised second edition)
| title = Magic Words: A Dictionary (revised second edition)
| publisher = In-Spired
| publisher = In-Spired
| year = 2006
| year = 2006
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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==Magic words in technology==
==Magic words in technology==

Software like [[MediaWiki]] uses "magic words" to make system information available to templates and editors, such as <nowiki>{{CURRENTTIME}}</nowiki>, which displays the server time: '''{{CURRENTTIME}}''', see [[Help:Magic words]].
Software like [[MediaWiki]] uses "magic words" to make system information available to templates and editors, such as <nowiki>{{CURRENTTIME}}</nowiki>, which displays the server time: '''{{CURRENTTIME}}''', see [[Help:Magic words]].


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==Manners==
==Manners==

The term '''magic word''' may also refer to the word ''[[wiktionary:please|please]]'' when used by adults to teach children [[manners]]:
The term '''magic word''' may also refer to the word ''[[wiktionary:please|please]]'' when used by adults to teach children [[manners]]:


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The single word changes an imperative order into a conditional request, concisely communicating "Do as I say, if it pleases you."
The single word changes an imperative order into a conditional request, concisely communicating "Do as I say, if it pleases you."


The "magic" is a result of simple [[psychology]], because when a person feels respected they are much more likely to choose a [[harmony|harmonious]] response.
The "magic" is a result of simple [[psychology]], because when a person feels respected they are much more likely to choose a [[harmony| harmonious]] response.


Likewise, other magic words exist as part of a [[social contract]], designed to express affection for another. Such words are magic not because of their effect on people (If they were, this would be simple manipulation, not etiquette) but because they make others feel better in context of the situation. For example:
Likewise, other magic words exist as part of a [[social contract]], designed to express affection for another. Such words are magic not because of their effect on people (If they were, this would be simple manipulation, not etiquette) but because they make others feel better in context of the situation. For example:
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[[Category:Magic words| ]]
[[Category:Magic words| ]]
[[Category:Magic (paranormal)|Word, Magic]]
[[Category:Magic (paranormal)|Word, Magic]]
[[Category:Words]]


[[ca:Encanteri]]
[[ca:Encanteri]]

Revision as of 20:48, 8 June 2010

For the use of magic words on Wikipedia, see Wikipedia:Magic words.

Magic words are words which have a specific, and sometimes unintended, effect. They are often nonsense phrases used in fantasy fiction or by stage prestidigitators. Certain comic book heroes use magic words to activate their super powers. Magic words are also used as Easter eggs or cheats in computer games, other software, and operating systems. (For example, the words xyzzy, plugh, and plover were magic words in the classic computer adventure game Colossal Cave Adventure).

Invocations of magic

Examples of traditional magic words include:

Craig Conley, a scholar of magic, writes that the magic words used by conjurers may originate from "pseudo-Latin phrases, nonsense syllables, or esoteric terms from religious antiquity," but that what they have in common is "language as an instrument of creation."[2]

Note that the television game show You Bet Your Life, hosted by Groucho Marx in the 1950s, used the term secret word, not magic word. ("Say the secret word and win a prize!")

Magic words in technology

Software like MediaWiki uses "magic words" to make system information available to templates and editors, such as {{CURRENTTIME}}, which displays the server time: 16:45, see Help:Magic words.

Hexadecimal "words" used in byte code to identify a specific file or data format are known as magic numbers.

Manners

The term magic word may also refer to the word please when used by adults to teach children manners:

"Gimme ketchup!"

"What's the magic word?"

"Sorry. May I have some ketchup, please?"

The single word changes an imperative order into a conditional request, concisely communicating "Do as I say, if it pleases you."

The "magic" is a result of simple psychology, because when a person feels respected they are much more likely to choose a harmonious response.

Likewise, other magic words exist as part of a social contract, designed to express affection for another. Such words are magic not because of their effect on people (If they were, this would be simple manipulation, not etiquette) but because they make others feel better in context of the situation. For example:

  • Please should not be used for just any request, but a request that might be considered unreasonable without it. This is because it is used to reflect the knowledge that the asker understands the trouble involved in the request.
  • Thanks is used to show that the other person's actions are valued.
  • Sorry is perhaps more important than the first two, as it is used to express regret over one's actions. Without such regret, relationships often dissolve over time. Also, contingent on this idea is the promise of not repeating the action (a promise which may be difficult or impossible to carry out, which is why some people are reluctant to apologize).
  • In addition, an unofficial magic word may be added, since it follows a similar idea. The word Stay (not as it is used to dogs, but as the opposite of "Leave!") could be considered magic since it expresses the idea that the person is loved or wanted, and that they belong.

See Etiquette

References

  1. ^ http://www.magictricks.com/library/glossary.htm
  2. ^ Conley, Craig (2006). Magic Words: A Dictionary (revised second edition). In-Spired.

See also

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Magic_word&oldid=366867792"