<P> Mumbo jumbo, or mumbo - jumbo, is confusing or meaningless language . The phrase is often used to express humorous criticism of middle - management . </P> <P> It may also refer to practices based on superstition, rituals intended to cause confusion, or languages that the speaker does not understand . </P> <P> The phrase probably originated from the Mandingo name Maamajomboo, a masked dancer that took part in religious ceremonies . Mungo Park's travel journal Travels in the Interior of Africa (1795) describes' Mumbo Jumbo' as a character, complete with "masquerade habit", that Mandinka males would dress up in order to resolve domestic disputes . In the 18th century mumbo jumbo referred to a West African god . </P> <P> According to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary: </P>

Where did the term mumbo jumbo come from