M Mazak Hala (see alakazam) Origins: This magic phrase is a backward-spelling of alah-kazam. Facts: Mazak Hala is a "wicked incantation" spoken by an old soothsayer with a long white beard and holding a twisted staff in 4 Hundred and 20 Assassins of Emir Abdullah-Harazins by Joseph DeMarco (2004). Mea Maxima Culpa Meanings: • I am guilty • My most grievous fault Origins: Mea maxima culpa is a Latin phrase. Facts: The evil magician in Doug Henning's musical The Magic Show (1981) uses the magic phrase mea maxima culpa during his act. Variations and Incantations: • Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa Mekka-lekka-hi, Mekka-hiney-ho Facts: This magic phrase was popularized by the children's television series Pee-Wee's Playhouse (1986): "One of Pee-wee's visiting pals to pop into the Playhouse was in the form of a genie -- a disembodied, turban-topped talking head named Jambi. Always a jokester, Jambi swiveled his head and worked his magic much to Pee-wee's rapture; he granted wishes if Pee-wee chanted along with him ('mecca-lecka-hi, mecca-hiney-ho')."19 Variations and Incantations: • Meka-leka-hi, Meka-hiney-ho • Mecca Lecca Hi, Mecca Hiney Ho • Mekka Lekka Hi, Mekka Lekka Hiney Ho -- Naomi Judd, Naomi's Breakthrough Guide (2004) 19 Stephen Cox, Dreaming of Jeannie (2000)