Jinx
/dʒɪŋks/noun
A person, thing, or influence believed to bring bad luck.
Did you know?The word comes from the Greek name for the wryneck bird, which was famously used in love magic and binding spells in ancient ritual practice.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
GR
ἴυγξ (iynx)
“The wryneck bird, associated with erotic magic and spell-casting”
Late Greek
GR
ἴυγξ
“A magical device or charm, especially one used in love enchantment”
16th Century
English
jinx
“An omen or spell believed to bring bad luck”
Early 20th Century
English
jinx
“A person or thing thought to bring misfortune”
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