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Jinx: meaning, definitions and examples

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jinx

 

[dʒɪŋks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

bad luck

A person or thing that brings bad luck, especially one that is believed to cause bad things to happen.

Synonyms

curse, hex, hoodoo.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jinx

Repeated twice in error, use the explanation provided above for 'jinx'.

  • Already provided examples for 'jinx' above.
curse

Typically used when referring to a strong, often supernatural, spell or spoken wish for bad luck or misfortune.

  • The witch placed a curse on the village.
  • Some people believe that ancient tombs are cursed.
hex

Usually associated with magic, referring to a spell or charm designed to bring bad luck or misfortune, often with a slightly mysterious or occult connotation.

  • The old woman claimed she could remove the hex from my house.
  • They believe someone put a hex on them.
hoodoo

Less commonly used, usually refers to an object or practice linked to folk magic traditions believed to bring bad luck or protection.

  • She carries a hoodoo charm for protection.
  • He thinks his injury was the result of hoodoo.

Examples of usage

  • She felt like a jinx, bringing bad luck wherever she went.
  • Don't say that, you'll jinx it!
Context #2 | Verb

bring bad luck

To bring bad luck or cause something to go wrong.

Synonyms

curse, hex, hoodoo.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jinx

Used informally to indicate bad luck or when someone believes they've caused or will cause bad luck to come to another person or situation.

  • Don't say that, you'll jinx us!
  • Ever since we saw that black cat, I feel like we've been jinxed.
curse

Refers to a spell or prayer that is believed to bring harm or misfortune to someone. It can also be used figuratively to describe something that causes ongoing trouble or bad luck.

  • The ancient tomb was rumored to have a curse on it.
  • Some people believe the family is under a curse.
hex

Usually refers to a spell cast to bring bad luck or misfortune, often associated with witchcraft or magical rituals.

  • The witch put a hex on the villagers.
  • They believed the strange occurrences were due to a hex.
hoodoo

Used to describe folk magic traditions, particularly those influenced by African, Native American, and European practices. It can also mean bringing bad luck or a bad spell.

  • The hoodoo practitioner used herbs and roots to cast spells.
  • They said the place was hoodooed with bad luck.

Examples of usage

  • She was afraid she would jinx the project by talking about it too soon.
  • Don't jinx us by saying it's going to be an easy game.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'jinx' is believed to come from 'Jynx', a Greek term associated with a spell or charm to bring bad luck.
  • In the early 20th century, 'jinx' came to be used more widely in American English to describe someone or something that brings misfortune.
  • The term was popularized in the 1930s by American sports culture, especially during games where players would blame a 'jinx' for their losses.

Popular Culture

  • The phrase 'jinx' is frequently heard in movies and TV shows, often used humorously when characters experience sudden bad luck.
  • In the game of 'jinx' or 'pinky jinx', players try to say the same word and the first one to call 'jinx' can’t speak until someone says their name.
  • The Marvel comic book character 'Jinx' has the ability to cause bad luck for her enemies, showcasing the word's tie to supernatural themes.

Psychology

  • The belief in 'jinxing' can be connected to psychological concepts like superstition, where people think their words or actions can influence events.
  • Research indicates that superstitions like 'jinx' can serve as coping mechanisms, helping individuals manage anxiety about the unknown.
  • The phenomenon of self-fulfilling prophecies is relevant; if someone believes they're 'jinxed', they may act in ways that lead to failure.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often use charms or spells that are akin to jinxing to explore themes of fate and destiny.
  • Shakespeare’s works sometimes reference luck and misfortune, paralleling the concept of a 'jinx' in human behavior.
  • Mystical tales like 'The Jinx' explore the consequences of bringing about bad fortune, merging folklore with narrative arcs.

Folklore

  • In various cultures, the act of jinxing is tied to folklore about witchcraft and spells, portraying it as a way to cast bad luck on others.
  • Traditionally, some rituals aimed to reverse a jinx involved using protective amulets or charms to ward off negative energy.
  • Stories of jinxes often caution against actions that tempt fate, reinforcing societal norms around behavior and luck.

Translations

Translations of the word "jinx" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maldição

🇮🇳 मनहूसियत

🇩🇪 Fluch

🇮🇩 kutukan

🇺🇦 прокляття

🇵🇱 klątwa

🇯🇵 呪い (noroi)

🇫🇷 malédiction

🇪🇸 maldición

🇹🇷 lanet

🇰🇷 저주 (jeoju)

🇸🇦 لعنة (la'na)

🇨🇿 kletba

🇸🇰 kliatba

🇨🇳 诅咒 (zǔzhòu)

🇸🇮 prekletstvo

🇮🇸 álag

🇰🇿 қарғыс

🇬🇪 წყევლა

🇦🇿 lənət

🇲🇽 maldición

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,352, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.