hex
LowInformal, often specific to folklore, gaming, or colloquial speech.
Definition
Meaning
A spell or curse, intended to bring bad luck or cause harm; to cast such a spell.
Informally, a general term for bad luck, a jinx, or a harmful influence; to bring misfortune through supernatural or figurative means.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun in core meaning; verbal use is a back-formation from the noun. Strong association with folk magic (especially Pennsylvania Dutch). Also used in computing to denote the hexadecimal numeral system, but this is a separate homonym.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly known and used in American English, especially in regions with historical German/Pennsylvania Dutch influence. In British English, its use is rarer and more associated with American culture or fantasy contexts.
Connotations
US: Specific to folk magic (hex signs, etc.) or as a colloquial jinx. UK: More likely to be interpreted in computing (hexadecimal) context without further clarification.
Frequency
The magical/jinx meaning is significantly more frequent in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] hexed [Object][Subject] placed a hex on [Object]The hex worked/broke/backfired.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A hex on... (archaic imprecation)”
- “Hex-breaker (charm to remove a hex)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Used in anthropological or historical studies of folklore.
Everyday
Informal, used to mean 'bad luck' or 'jinx' (e.g., "I think I have a hex on my car").
Technical
Primarily as a short form of 'hexadecimal' in computing/electronics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The villagers believed the old crone had hexed their livestock.
- She jokingly hexed the referee after the bad call.
American English
- He claimed his rival had hexed his pitching arm.
- Don't hex our road trip by talking about traffic!
adverb
British English
- He muttered hexingly under his breath.
- N/A (extremely rare)
American English
- She glared hexingly at the opponent.
- N/A (extremely rare)
adjective
British English
- It was a classic hex sign on the barn door.
- He studied hex rituals from Appalachian folklore.
American English
- She bought a colourful hex sign for her garden.
- They explored the hex culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The witch cast a hex.
- He said a bad hex was on the house.
- In the story, the wizard puts a hex on the dragon.
- She felt like a hex was causing all her problems.
- According to local legend, the family was under an ancient hex.
- The gambler believed his opponent had somehow hexed the cards.
- Anthropologists documented the ritual used to lift the powerful hex.
- The novel's protagonist sought a shaman to counter the maleficent hex placed upon her bloodline.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a witch's HEXagon-shaped spell book. HEX rhymes with CURSE.
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD LUCK IS A TANGIBLE FORCE that can be deliberately cast.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'hex-' prefix (six). Avoid using 'шестнадцатеричный' (hexadecimal) for the curse meaning. Closest common equivalent is 'порча', 'сглаз', 'проклятие'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a general verb for 'ruin' outside magical contexts (overextension). Confusing with 'vex' or 'hexadecimal'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'hex' most likely to be used in American English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar, but 'hex' often implies a more specific, folk-magical spell, sometimes involving symbols, whereas 'curse' is more general.
Yes, 'to hex' (meaning to put a hex on someone/something) is a common back-formation from the noun.
A 'jinx' is more informal and implies causing minor bad luck, often accidentally. A 'hex' suggests a deliberate, more serious, and sometimes supernatural act of malice.
It's a short form of 'hexadecimal', the base-16 numeral system (e.g., hex code #FF0000 for red). This is a completely different, homonymous word unrelated to spells.