As inventive as the previously discussed ''Abracadabra'' the term ''Hocus Pocus'' is another ''non-word'' apparently invented as a means to promote magic (both real and imagined). Seen as a conjuring spell, in reality ''Hocus Pocus'' first appeared in writing in 1619 as the possible ''stage name'' of a Magician/Performer. Later in 1635, it would be more associated with conjuring and spell casting. Some cite that that the word ''Hoax'' was derived from ''Hocus Pocus''.