voodoo
C1Informal, sometimes derogatory in metaphorical use.
Definition
Meaning
A religion or set of spiritual beliefs and practices originating in West Africa and syncretized with Catholicism in Haiti, involving communication with spirits through ritual, often associated with magic, charms, and spells.
Any practice or influence perceived as mysterious, magical, or irrational, often used metaphorically to dismiss complex systems as incomprehensible or superstitious (e.g., 'economic voodoo', 'computer voodoo').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
When referring to the religion, capitalisation (Voodoo) is often used as a sign of respect. The metaphorical use is typically lowercase and carries a pejorative connotation of irrationality or deceptive complexity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. The term is equally recognised but may be less culturally immediate in the UK.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation is of mystery and the supernatural. In US contexts, due to historical and geographical proximity to the Caribbean, associations with Haitian or New Orleans culture are stronger.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to cultural references in media and proximity to regions where the religion is practised.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[VERB] voodoo (on/against someone)attribute something to voodoodismiss something as voodooVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “voodoo economics (derogatory term for economic policies perceived as unrealistic or based on wishful thinking)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical and pejorative: 'The CEO dismissed their complex forecasting model as corporate voodoo.'
Academic
Anthropological/Religious Studies: 'The paper examines the syncretic nature of Haitian Vodou.'
Everyday
Metaphorical: 'I had to perform some voodoo to get the old printer working again.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields unless metaphorically to denote an inexplicable fix.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He claimed he could voodoo the network back online.
- Don't try to voodoo me with your technical jargon.
American English
- She managed to voodoo the old engine into starting.
- Politicians can't just voodoo the deficit away.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare, not standard)
American English
- (Extremely rare, not standard)
adjective
British English
- They were afraid of his voodoo powers.
- The report was full of voodoo statistics.
American English
- He bought a voodoo charm in New Orleans.
- Their plan sounded like voodoo economics to me.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I saw a voodoo doll in a film.
- Some people in Haiti practise Voodoo.
- The politician accused his opponents of using 'voodoo economics' to justify their plans.
- Anthropologists stress that Voodoo is a legitimate religion with a complex theology, not merely a set of superstitions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'VOODOO' as having two 'O's like the eyes of a mysterious doll. It sounds like 'woo-doo' – something you might say to 'woo' or attract spirits.
Conceptual Metaphor
MYSTERY/IRRATIONALITY IS VOODOO (e.g., 'The software's error codes are pure voodoo to me.').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с общим термином 'магия' (magic). 'Voodoo' — это конкретная религиозная система, а не любая магия.
- В метафорическом употреблении передаётся словами 'шаманство', 'тёмная магия', 'непонятная штука', а не прямым заимствованием 'вуду'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He believes in voodoos.' (Generally uncountable as a system). Correct: 'He believes in voodoo.'
- Incorrect: 'It's a voodoo.' (When used metaphorically, it's usually non-count). Correct: 'It's (like) voodoo.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'voodoo' LEAST likely to be considered offensive or reductive?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. When referring respectfully to the Afro-Caribbean religion (often capitalised), it is neutral/descriptive. The negative connotation arises in its metaphorical, pejorative use to mean 'irrational magic'.
'Voodoo' (Vodou) is a specific organised religion. 'Hoodoo' is a related but distinct set of folk magical practices, primarily in the Southern US. 'Witchcraft' is a much broader, non-specific term for magical practices across cultures.
Yes, informally, meaning to influence or fix something by seemingly magical or inexplicable means (e.g., 'He voodooed the broken lock open').
Generally no. As a system of belief or a concept, it is uncountable. You would say 'practice voodoo', not 'practice a voodoo'. The countable form is occasionally used to mean 'an instance of voodoo magic' but is rare.
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