Tricks, by definition, are rather trivial and superfluous enterprises.- Eugene Burger, Growing In The Art of Magic.
I have decided that I am going to eliminate the word trick from my vocabulary. It just makes me cringe. When I consulted the dictionary, I found that trick means:
1. An act or procedure intended to achieve an end by deceptive or fraudulent means.
2. A mischievous action; a prank.
3. A stupid, disgraceful, or childish act or performance.
Granted if you drill down in the list, you will find:
6. A feat of magic or legerdemain.
But one thing to remember is that a dictionary list is hierarchical from most to least important.
While I do want my magic to be deceptive, I don't want to be associated with fraud, a prank or stupid, disgraceful or childish. As long as I use the descriptor, trick, I am implying it.
Stepping back, the question appears: what other words am I using that imply thoughts or feelings that I do not want?
4 comments:
Burger has also suggested that others do not take us any more serious than we do ourselves. So this is a fine example of self-inflicted trivialization.
When we eliminate the word "trick" from our vocab, then we are left with wondering what words we use to replace it. I've heard some magicians apply this and end up coming off smug. Appropriate replacement is key. I have not abolished the term from my complete vocabulary because there are just some times, in the kind of work I do, when the word is the most appropriate. What we can do to change the meaning of the word over time by pairing its use with strong magic. Well, that's how I see it. Nice blog, as always. Thanks.
I agree with The Utopian, in that I've heard magicians insist on "illusion" instead of "trick" and it can come of as self-delusional and ego-centric.
Personally, if I have to refer to it at all, I try to use the word "piece". it's a well-established performance word.
But really, if you're referring to your own "trick", "piece," or "illusion," what is it that you're trying to say? Perhaps you should just say nothing instead. Get on with it.
I agree with Gordon on the term illusion as it does sound pompous. I concur with both of you that whatever word we use, we have to do it mindfully with interntion.
Trick feels cheap. I have used often referred to it as magic. I like the idea of piece.
I have yet to use Eugene's Want to see something mysterious?
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