jinx

[/dʒɪŋks/]
noun, verbpl: jinxes
maldição, azar, azaração
1. A person or thing that brings bad luck
He's considered a jinx on the team because they always lose when he plays.
Ele é considerado uma maldição no time porque sempre perdem quando ele joga.
2. To bring bad luck to someone or something; to curse
Don't jinx us by saying we'll win before the game is over.
Não nos azare dizendo que vamos ganhar antes do jogo acabar.
3. A curse or spell of bad luck
There seems to be a jinx on this project with all these technical problems.
Parece haver uma maldição neste projeto com todos esses problemas técnicos.
The concept of jinx is deeply rooted in superstitious beliefs in both American and Brazilian cultures. In the USA, it's commonly used in sports contexts and casual conversation. In Brazil, 'azaração' and 'maldição' carry similar superstitious connotations, with people often using protective phrases or rituals to avoid jinxing situations. The practice of 'not jinxing' is prevalent in both cultures, where people avoid speaking positively about uncertain outcomes before they occur.
NYC Slang
Bad juju, hoodoo, curse
Synonyms / Sinônimos
cursehexbad luckevil eyeplague
Antonyms / Antônimos
blessingluckfortunegood omen

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
maldição, azar, azaração
Most common translations, used in general conversation
Rio de Janeiro
maldição, zé ruim
Informal usage; 'zé ruim' colloquially refers to someone who brings bad luck
São Paulo
azar, maldição
Standard usage similar to general Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
maldição, azar, azaração
Same translations as Brazilian Portuguese with similar usage patterns

Related Words

cursesuperstitionluckomenspellhex

Related Idioms & Phrases

knock on wood (to avoid jinxing)
don't tempt fate
put a curse on someone
the kiss of death
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