Magic Words List – What Magicians Say

Magicians use magic words when performing tricks. They say different magic phrases and magic sayings. 

I am super passionate about magic and did a deep dive to answer the question, “what do magicians say?” Here are the most popular magic words, phrases, and magic sayings.

Magic Words List

• Abracadabra
• Wallah / Wala (Voila)
• Tada
• Sim Sala Bim
• Shazam
• Hocus Pocus
• Alakazam
• Open Sesame
• Presto Chango
• Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo
• A La Peanut Butter Sandwiches

Magic words signal the moment the magic takes place and are often said while waving a wand. Very few things magicians say come from meaningful words, most are used because they sound good and roll off your tongue.

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Magic Phrases

What Does Abracadabra Mean?

Abracadabra has no real meaning. Magicians say “Abracadabra” because it is fun and easy to say, it flows nicely, it has a positive feel to it, and it signifies the magical moment.

Abracadabra has five syllables and rhymes, which makes it very distinct and understandable, even for small children. The word Abracadabra comes from ancient symbols that were believed to hold magical powers and cast spells.

Abracadabra is recited to make the magic happen. It is the most popular and widely known magic word in the world. Usually it is said in one breath, like you are holding a note – “AbraaaaaaCadabraaaaaa.”

If you ask a spectator to say any magic word most of the time they will say Abracadabra. It is very easy to say, which is important when you have a kid help with a trick.

Abracadabra is so well known, it has become part of pop culture. It is said by non-magicians every day, many times in a joking manner.

For example, someone might be giving a slide show presentation and as they click a button to go the next slide they might say Abracadabra, as if it happened by magic. This will get a chuckle, everyone knows what they mean.

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Wala Magic Meaning – Wallah (Voila)

The reason magicians say Wala is because it sounds great, rolls nicely off the tongue, and lets your audience know the trick is over. It serves as an exclamation point and an applause cue.

Wallah is generally said after a trick has taken place. It has a positive and fun feel to it and is usually sung as if you are holding a note – “Wallaaaaaah.”

The word comes from the French word voila (Vwa-la) which means ‘here it is’. Wallah is easier to say than Voila and much clearer, especially for kids.

A magician might also gesture towards something while saying “Wallah” to show that the magic has happened. It lets the audience know the trick is over and it is time to react.

Some magicians use “Wallah” in a comedic way. If a trick fails or something minimal takes place the magician might say “Wallaaaah,” sort of as a joke.

This technique can be used to build up an effect. After failing a few times, and building up tension, when the magic finally happens the crowd will go wild.

Wallah has been adapted into modern day society and is said by non-magicians. For example, let’s say someone accidentally drops a glass and it breaks. Instead of getting embarrassed or upset they might look up and say “Wallaaaaaah.”

It is like saying “this is what I meant to do,” in a joking way. Everyone knows what this means and will laugh. This is a fun and light-hearted way to handle a normal accident, it is very relatable.

Tada

The reason magicians say Tada is because it is easy to pronounce, it is enthusiastic and fun to say, it rolls smoothly off your tongue, and Tada signifies that the trick is over.

Tada is very positive and you can’t help but smile while saying it. Tada is known by everyone and is usually sung as if you are holding a note – “Tadaaaaa.”

Tada is said at the moment the magic is revealed. It is usually recited with excitement, as if the magician is very proud.

Tada is usually said in a melodic and entertaining way. Since it has only 2 syllables, and they rhyme, it is easy for everyone, including small children, to say.

Magicians use Tada in a joking manner. They might say Tada after something small or minimal has taken place, or if they mess up.

For example, let’s say a magician finds the wrong card. To make the situation light, the magician might say- Tadaaaaa. This will get a laugh.

“Tada” is engrained in pop culture. It is a word that is used often and understood by all. Let’s say you pick up a Starbucks for your friend at work.

He sees you with a coffee and mentions that he would like one too. You bring out his coffee and say, “Tadaaaaaa.”

Sim Sala Bim

Sim Sala Bim was made popular by the magician Dante in the early 1900s. He said it slowly in a very deep and convincing voice. Try it yourself, it is fun to say.

Shazam and Alakazam

Shazam and Alakazam sound similar and are also fun to say. Both have been adopted into pop culture as movie titles and Pokemon characters.

Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus, which originally referred to jugglers, is often used to describe anything tricky. Watch the magician as he does some “hocus pocus.” This phrase has become very popular and is the title of a great movie.

One of the funniest magic word phrases I have ever heard is “hocus pocus chicken bones choke us.” There is no meaning, it just rhymes and rolls off the tongue. Perfect for kids!

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Open Sesame

The reason magicians say Open Sesame is because it is fun to say, it rolls nicely off your tongue, it is easy to understand, it is extremely positive and memorable, and it is known to open doors.

Open Sesame originates from the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves where the phrase was recited to open a cave.

Open Sesame has become part of modern culture. I remember as a kid, when my parents fed me, to get me to open my mouth they would say “Open Sesame.” It is generally said in a very positive and upbeat manner.

There is a famous nightclub called the Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA. In order to enter you must stand in front of the bookshelf and say “Open Sesame.” The bookshelf, as if by magic, opens up and you walk through. It is very cool.

Presto Chango

Presto Chango comes from the word presto (quickly). This is said by magicians when changing one object into another.

Funny Magic Phrases

The sillier the magic words, the better.

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo is from the movie Cinderella. With a wave of her wand the fairy godmother transformed an orange pumpkin into a white carriage, a gray horse into a white-haired coachman, 4 brown mice into white horses, and a brown dog into a white-haired man. 

Kids still say these magic words today. It is a feel good phrase that is fun and easy to say.

Ala Peanut Butter Sandwiches

“Ala Peanut Butter Sandwiches” was said by The Amazing Mumford on Sesame Street. Since that show is long off the air this magic word isn’t really known or used today.  

What Does a Magician Say

The most popular and well known magic words are Wallah, Abracadabra, and Tada. What you will notice about most magic words and phrases is that they are silly and easy to say.

There is a lot of theory regarding the origin of these phrases. Magic words aren’t meant to be meaningful and serious. I believe people are overthinking it.

When a magician calls a kid up on stage to help with a trick the kid may be asked to “say the magic word.” This can be very entertaining and funny to watch.

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What’s the Magic Word

Most of the time when I say a magic word it will be the name of the company or client I am working for. I prefer waving my hand to make the magic happen. Out of necessity, stage magicians have replaced magic words with sounds, smoke effects, music, and flashes of light.

Magic Sayings

These phrases are less well known.

For the First Time

Magicians say “for the first time” to build up the impossibility, suspense, and wonder of a trick.

It is usually said right before the reveal of something amazing. It leads the audience to a deeper level of conviction, and makes the trick more impressive.

A magician might say, “For the first time, name your card.” This emphasizes that there is no way the magician could have known the spectator’s card.

“For the first time” adds to the mystery of the magic. It stresses the randomness of what is about to happen. “I wrote down one word, for the first time name the word you were thinking of.”

What Magicians Say Before a Trick

Before a trick takes place it is important to have the attention of your audience. Here are some magician phrases said before a trick.

• Are you ready? 
• Check this out!
• Look, look, look!
• Now!
• Get Ready to be Amazed!
• Just a wave.
• Don’t blink or You’ll Miss It
• Don’t Look Away

What Magicians Say After a Trick

When a trick is over it is important to let your audience know it is time to react and applaud. Here are some magician sayings for after a trick.

• It’s Magic!
• For My Next Trick…
• Please Give a Round of Applause to My Helper
• Thank You Very Much.
• You Have Been a Great Audience
• Do You Want to See Another Trick?
• I Don’t Even Know How It Is Done.
• A Good Magician Never Repeats a Trick.

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Magic Words – Please and Thank You

“Please” and “Thank You” are the most powerful magic words in the world. If you say them you can get anyone to do anything you ask. Saying please and thank you is good manners and shows respect.

When people feel respected they want to do things for you. Nobody likes to be commanded. I always say please and thank you to my spectators when performing magic.

• “Please put out your hand.”
• “Please think of a word.”
• “Thank you for helping.”

More Info: Dictionary.com

Conclusion

Here you will find a complete list of magic words highlighting the best phrases to say when performing a trick.

Make sure the magic words you use are easy to pronounce, easy to understand, and fun to say.