What does juju mean?
Juju is a word for a mysterious spiritual power, a harmful charm, or a persistent streak of bad luck. In its traditional cultural contexts, it can refer to supernatural force or ritual objects believed to influence people and events, particularly in African and African American belief systems. In everyday English, speakers frequently use it more loosely: “good juju” means favourable energy or luck, while “bad juju” suggests an atmosphere of danger, hostility, or misfortune. The term is often colourful and humorous, but it can also sound ominous because of its association with curses and harmful magic. Although related to the broader vocabulary of voodoo and hoodoo, juju is not necessarily limited to any one religion or tradition. It is especially useful when describing something whose influence feels difficult to explain, whether supernatural, social, or simply bad luck.
nounJuju is a supernatural power or charm, especially one believed to bring misfortune or to cause harm. In informal English, it can also mean persistent bad luck or an unwanted magical influence.
- A supernatural power, charm, or fetish believed to exert a harmful or mysterious influence.
- Persistent bad luck or misfortune, especially in informal English.
- A powerful magical effect or spiritual force, particularly in African and African American religious and folk traditions.
"The old sailor said that the island had juju, and nobody dared to ignore his warning."
"They blamed the juju on the old crossroads."
"There was some bad juju around the office, so the team was unusually quiet."
The word is commonly used as an uncountable noun for a general supernatural force or condition. A countable plural is used when referring to separate charms, fetishes, or sources of harmful influence.
"The healer collected the jujus and carried them away in a sealed box."
Juju can mean a supernatural force, a harmful charm, or simply a stubborn run of bad luck.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of juju
The precise origin of juju is uncertain. It is generally associated with West African language and cultural traditions and is often traced to a Hausa form meaning a fetish or magical object. The word entered wider English use through descriptions of African and African American spiritual and ritual practices.
How juju is actually used
The word is commonly informal in English and often carries an ominous or humorous connotation. In discussions of African and African American traditions, it may refer to a broader spiritual power rather than to one specific religious system.
Easily confused with juju
Juju is a general term for spiritual power, misfortune, or a harmful influence, while voodoo more specifically names a religion or body of religious practices associated especially with Haiti and its diaspora.