jinx
10
7.2
A person thought to bring bad luck to others
- noun
- /dʒɪŋks/
- Informal
:
gafe
- People avoid inviting her to parties because they think she's a jinx.
So, you know, it seems like I'm a bit of a, what do you call it, Jinx.
- So, you know, it seems like I'm a bit of a, what do you call it, Jinx.
Examples
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What if I'm the jinx?
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They call me the jinx back in D.C.
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It's sort of a family jinx thing.
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Lady, you are a jinx!
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I did not tell you about my sister because of a jinx.
Fiction book (1992) -
Listen, I once thought I had a jinx on me, and it was Taylor who proved otherwise.
Fiction book (2000) -
You've been a jinx to me ever since I met you!
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Either you're a jinx, or God hates me.
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This guy's a jinx.
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Dipsy Doodle was the squadron's jinx ship.
Fiction book (1990)
Synonyms
9.4
A person believed to bring bad luck to others
is the general label used for any such person rather than a proper name
Antonyms
How Harmful
Surface Forms
Etymology
Jinx comes from an old Greek name iunx for a small bird that people used in magic long ago. Because that bird's name was linked to spells, calling someone a jinx makes a strong image: a person who seems to carry bad luck like a 'spell'.