noun a person or thing that brings bad luck
verb to bring bad luck to
In sports, a jinx refers to a belief that mentioning a certain outcome or achievement will cause it not to happen.
In entertainment, a jinx can refer to a character or plot device that brings bad luck to others.
In superstition, a jinx is believed to bring bad luck or misfortune to a person or object.
In children's games, a jinx is a playful way to prevent someone from speaking by saying 'jinx' when they say the same thing as another person at the same time.
In the writing world, a jinx may refer to a situation where a writer believes that talking about their work-in-progress or future projects may bring bad luck and negatively impact their creative process.
Psychologists may use the concept of a jinx when discussing superstitions or irrational beliefs that clients may hold, leading to feelings of anxiety or fear of certain actions or events bringing bad luck.
Athletes often use the term jinx to describe a situation where they believe that talking about an upcoming game or victory before it happens may cause them to perform poorly or lose the game.
In the acting industry, a jinx may refer to a belief that mentioning a successful run of performances or a specific role may lead to the opposite outcome, such as the show closing or the actor being replaced.
In business contexts, a jinx may be used to describe a situation where discussing a successful deal or project prematurely could lead to unforeseen obstacles or negative outcomes, prompting caution in sharing information too soon.