hoodoo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequencyInformal, with specialist registers in geology and folklore/religion.
Quick answer
What does “hoodoo” mean?
A set of magical practices or folk magic, or an object used in such practices.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A set of magical practices or folk magic, or an object used in such practices; also refers to a cause of bad luck.
In geology, a tall, thin rock formation (a hoodoo) shaped by erosion, resembling a chimney or pinnacle. As a verb, to bring bad luck or bewitch. In broader usage, it can refer to a person or thing that brings misfortune.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in BrE but less commonly used. In AmE, it has stronger regional associations with the Southern US and its specific folk magic tradition, as well as Western US geology.
Connotations
In BrE, the primary connotation is 'bad luck charm/jinx.' In AmE, the connotations are richer: (1) the specific African-American folk magic system, (2) bad luck/jinx (common), (3) the geological formation (common in areas like Bryce Canyon).
Frequency
Far more frequent in AmE, particularly in the Southern US (for the magic sense) and Western US (for the geological sense). Rare in everyday BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “hoodoo” in a Sentence
[subject] hoodoos [object] (verb, transitive)[object] is hoodooed (verb, passive)to be a hoodoo for [someone/something]to put a hoodoo on [someone]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hoodoo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It's as if the entire team was hoodooed in the second half.
- Don't let that strange tale hoodoo you.
American English
- Some say the old mansion hoodoos anyone who tries to buy it.
- He felt hoodooed after breaking the mirror.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as adverb)
American English
- (Rarely used as adverb)
adjective
British English
- That hoodoo number thirteen kept appearing.
- He had a hoodoo feeling about the trip.
American English
- It was a hoodoo season for the baseball team.
- They avoided the hoodoo crossroads at night.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Very rare, except metaphorically: 'This project seems to be under a hoodoo.'
Academic
Used in specific fields: Anthropology (folk religion/magic studies), Geology (specific erosion feature).
Everyday
Primarily as 'jinx' or 'bad luck.' 'I think this old key is a hoodoo; nothing goes right when I carry it.'
Technical
In geology: 'The sandstone hoodoos were formed by differential erosion.' In anthropology: 'Hoodoo incorporates elements of West African, Native American, and European folk practices.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hoodoo”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hoodoo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hoodoo”
- Confusing 'hoodoo' (practice/formation) with 'Voodoo' (religion). Using it in overly formal contexts. Incorrect pluralisation: 'hoodoos' (not 'hoodooes').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Voodoo (or Vodou) is a syncretic religion with roots in West Africa and Haiti. Hoodoo is a set of folk magic practices primarily found in the Southern United States, which incorporates elements from various traditions but is not itself an organized religion.
Yes, informally. To 'hoodoo' someone or something means to bring them bad luck or to bewitch/jinx them. Example: 'That old statue seems to hoodoo everyone who owns it.'
Hoodoos are common in dry, high-altitude environments with soft rock layers. Famous examples are found in Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah, USA), the Alberta Badlands (Canada), and Cappadocia (Turkey).
Not particularly common. It is a low-frequency word. Most speakers will understand the 'jinx/bad luck' meaning, but the specific folk magic and geological meanings are more specialized. Its use is more frequent in American English than British English.
A set of magical practices or folk magic, or an object used in such practices.
Hoodoo is usually informal, with specialist registers in geology and folklore/religion. in register.
Hoodoo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhuː.duː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhu.du/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to put a hoodoo on someone/something”
- “to be hoodooed”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HOODOO as a 'Hoo-boo-DO'er'—something that 'does' a 'boo-boo' or causes bad luck.
Conceptual Metaphor
MISFORTUNE IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT/SPELL (e.g., to 'put a hoodoo on'), BAD LUCK IS A PERSON/THING (e.g., 'he's a hoodoo'), NATURE IS AN ARTIST (e.g., 'hoodoos sculpted by wind').
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'hoodoo' LEAST likely to be used?