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juju

juju

15 9.9
A magic power or object people believe brings luck and protection
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒuːdʒuː/
  • Literature
translation icon : poder mágico
  • And so Orastrega tries to shake off all the bad juju she's feeling and focus on her show.

Some some some bad juju, for sure.

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Examples

  • I never enter the office on Sunday... bad juju.

  • As containers of the spiritual and ancestral forces that govern the juju society, they are objects that must be treated with great respect and circumspection.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Well, if we could all send me some good juju while putting this on, that would be amazing.

  • And feel free to use my bad computer juju as a friendly reminder to back up your photos, friends!

    Blog text (5)
  • You and your perfect, little L.A. friends were giving me bad juju vibes.

  • I did so, and I'm happy to report that the bad juju dissipated on its own.

    Blog text (9)
  • I'd love to hear how you get your running juju back (because you will!).

    Blog text (1)
  • When the Vietnamese returned to the rain forest, A Shau was again silent and filled with juju.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • The female diviner neutralizes juju or witchcraft that may have been laid in Obol Okalefong's path.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Many people believe that carrying a lucky charm can bring you good juju.

Synonyms

charm
vsjuju
92 2.3

A small object believed to bring good luck

is broader also meaning a spiritual force and having cultural roots
magic
vsjuju
  • Literature
53 5.5

Having power to make impossible things happen, as in stories

is more specific, naming a culturally rooted charm or power used for luck
mojo
vsjuju
  • Informal
53 9.1

A feeling of luck and confidence that helps you do well

is a culturally rooted term for a power or object bringing luck
voodoo
vsjuju
17 8.4

A small object thought to have magical powers

is a culturally specific spiritual term rather than a label for superstition
fetish
vsjuju
3 8.8

A small object believed to bring protection or good luck

is broader also meaning a spiritual power as well as an object in culture
hoodoo
vsjuju
  • Literature
3 9.9

A person or thing people believe has magic and causes bad luck

is used for protective or lucky power rather than causing harm or bad luck

How Magical

juju
  • Literature
15 9.9
talisman
37 8.2
amulet
81 7.2
trinket
43 3.5

Surface Forms

juju singular
jujus plural

Etymology

Juju comes from West Africa, where people used the word for a magic charm or spirit that can protect someone or bring luck. So, when English speakers say 'juju' they mean a 'magical power' or a 'lucky object'.