From jynx in the transferred sense “a charm or spell”.

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /d͡ʒɪŋks/

• Audio (Canada):

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• Audio (General Australian):

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• Homophone: jynx
• Rhymes: -ɪŋks

jinx (plural jinxes)

1. A hex; an evil spell.

   Synonyms: curse, hoodoo, Indian sign, spell

2. A person or thing supposed to bring bad luck.

• reverse jinx

• → Japanese: ジンクス

jinx (third-person singular simple present jinxes, present participle jinxing, simple past and past participle jinxed)

1. (transitive) To cast a spell on.

   Synonyms: bewitch, hex, maleficiate; see also Thesaurus:enchant

2. (transitive) To bring bad luck to.
3. (transitive) To cause something to happen by mentioning it. Often used sarcastically.
   • 2008, Susane Colasanti, chapter 46, in When It Happens‎^[1], Penguin, →ISBN:

     “So you'll all be near New York!” Maggie says. “We don't know for sure yet.” Sara stresses. “Don't jinx it.”

   • 2012, Sally Heinrich, Hungry Ghosts, Hachette UK, →ISBN:

     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.

4. (transitive) 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.

jinx

1. Used after the same thing is said by two people simultaneously.

   Synonym: snap

   • 1991, Robert Cohen, “Flaming Moe's”, in The Simpsons‎^[2], season 3, episode 10 (television production):

     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!

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