jinx
/d͡ʒɪŋks/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.14 in modern English
18
Scrabble Score
4
Letters
1
Syllables
4
Unique Chars
Meaning
verb
To cause a bad outcome through verbal expression of certainty about a good situation or result. See knocking on wood, which is supposed to mitigate this effect.
Transitive verb
intj
Used after the same thing is said by two people simultaneously.
Example Sentences
- "“So you'll all be near New York!” Maggie says. “We don't know for sure yet.” Sara stresses. “Don't jinx it.”"
- "I've no idea if she guessed what I was intending to do. I don't know why I was so reluctant to talk about it, even to her. Maybe I was afraid that verbalising my intentions would jinx it in some way."
- "Bart: I'm telling Mom and Dad! / Lisa: You're telling who? / Bart: Mom and Dad! / Girls: MOM AND DAD? JINX! / Janey Powell: Now you can't talk, 'til somebody says your name!"
Etymology
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /d͡ʒɪŋks/
- British English: /d͡ʒɪŋks/