jinx
verbEtymology From jynx in the transferred sense “a charm or spell”.
1
To cast a spell on.
2
To bring bad luck to.
3
To cause something to happen by mentioning it. Often used sarcastically.
- “So you'll all be near New York!” Maggie says. “We don't know for sure yet.” Sara stresses. “Don't jinx it.”2008, Susane Colasanti, chapter 46, in When It Happens, Penguin, →ISBN:
- I've no idea if she guessed what I was intending to do. I don't know why I was so reluctant to talk about it, even to her. Maybe I was afraid that verbalising my intentions would jinx it in some way.2012, Sally Heinrich, Hungry Ghosts, Hachette UK, →ISBN:
4
To cause a bad outcome through verbal expression of certainty about a good situation or result. See knocking on wood, which is supposed to mitigate this effect.