The term has also been used is also used for centuries to command demons, and also in conjunction with amateur Stage Magic - 'Presto change-o' or 'Hey presto!' are common accompaniments to the waving of the magic wand or the swishing of the handkerchief as the magician performs their tricks. The term comes from the Italian (and Latin) for 'quickly', and is possibly related to Prestidigitation (sleight of hand) derived from the Latin for 'fast fingers'.
''"Hey Presto"'' was also an advertising slogan for the already mentioned supermarket.
An unincorporated community in SE Idaho, named after pioneer Presto Burrell. It was home of the regional writer Agnes Just Reid, and is referenced in the book ''Wizard Girl'' by Reid's great nephew, novelist Rick Just .
EXTERNAL LINKS
An exhaustive discussion of the magic phrase presto chango is available in the free online dictionary of magic words .
