good luck charm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Conversational
Quick answer
What does “good luck charm” mean?
A physical object that a person believes brings them good fortune or protects them from bad luck.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical object that a person believes brings them good fortune or protects them from bad luck.
Any person, place, or thing considered to bring positive outcomes, often used metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. The concept is universally understood.
Connotations
Slight association with tradition and folklore in UK usage; more casual, sports-related usage in US.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “good luck charm” in a Sentence
[Subject] carries/uses [good luck charm] for [event/activity][Good luck charm] is believed to bring [good fortune/success]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used literally; sometimes used metaphorically ('Our new software is our good luck charm for the quarter').
Academic
Used in anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies to discuss superstition and belief systems.
Everyday
Common for discussing sports, exams, interviews, or any event where one wants luck.
Technical
Not a technical term; used in folkloristics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “good luck charm”
- Using 'charm' as a verb in this context (e.g., 'I charm good luck').
- Misplacing the stress: it's 'good LUCK charm', not 'GOOD luck charm'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but it can be used metaphorically for a person, place, or routine believed to bring luck.
A mascot is often a symbol for a group (like a sports team) and may be a person in costume. A good luck charm is usually a small, personal object.
Yes, sarcastically. E.g., 'That report was a real good luck charm for our project' (meaning it caused bad luck).
It's understandable but non-standard and sounds archaic or translated. 'Good luck charm' is the fixed compound noun.
A physical object that a person believes brings them good fortune or protects them from bad luck.
Good luck charm is usually informal, conversational in register.
Good luck charm: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊd ˈlʌk ˌtʃɑːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊd ˈlʌk ˌtʃɑːrm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “rabbit's foot”
- “lucky penny”
- “lucky break (related concept)”
- “mascot (in sports/teams)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHARM bracelet you wear for GOOD LUCK.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN OBJECT IS A CONTAINER FOR LUCK / PROTECTION IS AN OBJECT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically a function of a good luck charm?