Phrase guide

presto chango

intj · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˌpɹɛs.təʊ ˈtʃeɪn.dʒəʊ/
  • General-American: /ˌpɹɛs.toʊ ˈtʃeɪn.dʒoʊ/

1

intj

Meaning 1

Indicates the suddenness of a change or transformation, as a magic trick in which one object appears to be suddenly transformed into another.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • 1929, Business Week, advertisement, Just one touch lets you go from black to a second color. Presto. Chango. Or back to black. Presto. Chango. Color copies have never been easier.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: hey presto, presto, abracadabra, alakazam, hey pass, hocus-pocus, kazaam, presto chango, shazam

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From presto + rhyming variation of change.