What does nix mean?
Nix is a concise, informal word with several distinct uses. As a verb, it means to reject or cancel a plan, proposal, deal, or other undertaking, often in a decisive or dismissive manner. As a noun, it can mean nothing at all, as in a statement that a change produced nix. Nix also names a water spirit in Germanic folklore, a being traditionally associated with lakes, rivers, and drowning travelers. The informal senses are especially common in American English, while the mythological meaning is mainly encountered in literature and studies of folklore. Although the word can sound abrupt, it gives speakers an efficient way to report that something has been called off or dismissed as worthless. Its unusual range—from supernatural creature to complete negation to outright cancellation—makes it particularly memorable in ordinary conversation.
An informal noun meaning nothing or no amount; in Germanic folklore, a water spirit or goblin.
"Their offer amounted to nix, and the negotiations soon ended."
The everyday sense is informal and sometimes dismissive. The folklore sense is uncommon outside literary and mythological contexts.
To reject, cancel, or refuse to approve something.
"The mayor nixed the plan to close the central library."
Chiefly American and informal; often implies a unilateral or decisive cancellation.
The standard plural for the mythological water spirit; the informal noun meaning nothing is normally used without a plural.
"Stories of nixes and other water spirits occur throughout Germanic folklore."
The same word can mean a ghostly inhabitant of the water, the absence of anything, and the act of calling off a plan.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nix come from?
The English word entered through German, where Nix is a traditional water spirit. The English form appeared in the 17th century and was initially associated with a goblin or demon believed to live in water. The later informal senses meaning nothing and to reject or cancel developed separately and are chiefly associated with modern American usage.
Related word forms
How nix is actually used
The verb is informal and chiefly American in contemporary use. The noun meaning nothing is also informal and may sound dismissive or dismissive of a proposal's value. The mythological sense is uncommon in everyday English and usually appears in literary or folklore contexts.