Hocus pocus (magic) derived from the Protoslavic word "kusiti", which is itself derived from Gothic "kausajn" meaning "to try", "to attempt". This may indicate that the wording belongs to the alchemy kitchen and court of Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor (1552 – 1612). Also, "hocus" may mean "to cheat" in Latin or a distorted form of the word "hoc", "this". Combination of the two words may give a sense, especially both meanings together "this attempt/experiment" and "cheated attempt/experiment". According to the Oxford English Dictionary the term originates from "hax pax max Deus adimax", a pseudo-Latin phrase used as a magical formula by conjurors.
Carolyn Hax Carolyn Hax Carolyn Hanley Hax is a writer and columnist for "The Washington Post" and author of the advice column "Carolyn Hax" (formerly titled "Tell Me About It"). The column debuted in 1997 and is published daily and syndicated by The Washington Post Syndicate to more than 200 newspapers. Featuring cartoons by Hax's ex-husband, Nick Galifianakis, "Tell Me About It" originally provided advice targeted at readers under 30, but has since broadened its audience. Hax hosts a weekly Friday web chat, "Carolyn Hax Live", at the paper's website with selected transcripts published subsequently. Born December 5, 1966, in Bridgeport, CT,