> Is it a common misconception that the placebo effect is a 'trick'?

My experience says yes, it's a trick. As in, mind may be over matter but if it's a placebo it's worse than the real thing, or at least that's the connotation I had for the word.

It's a trick as in "all the tricks of the trade" or "does the trick", or "the trick is to keep breathing". It does not necessarily have the negative connotation everyone here seems to pick up on, just as it doesn't involve any tricks being turned, two hours wasted at the helm, games of bridge, or sketchy coats of arms.

(This post sponsored by MacOS' built-in dictionary)