mojo

[moh-joh]

noun

plural

mojos, mojoes 

1. an object, as an amulet or charm, that is believed to carry a magic spell.

2. the art or practice of casting magic spells; magic.

3. Informal.

   1. a seemingly magical personal charm, power, or influence over other people.

      He’s always a hit with the ladies when he gets his mojo working.

   2. exceptional ability, good luck, success, etc..

      It seems like our team has finally gotten its mojo back.

   3. exceptional energy or power.

      Tracking back over the warm Gulf of Mexico, the hurricane regained its mojo and hit the Mississippi coast full force.

mojo

/ ˈməʊdʒəʊ /

noun

1. 1. an amulet, charm, or magic spell

   2. ( as modifier )

      ancient mojo spells

2. the art of casting magic spells

3. uncanny personal power or influence

Word History and Origins

Origin of mojo¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; compare Gullah moco “witchcraft, magic,” probably akin to Fulani moco'o “medicine man”

Word History and Origins

Origin of mojo¹

C20: of W African origin

Example Sentences

Within a few minutes from there, USC found its offensive mojo again, bouncing back from Saturday’s South Carolina loss to beat Portland 78-51.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But the Lakers got their mojo back Friday in New Orleans against the Pelicans, then went out and smoked the Bucks despite being even more shorthanded.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s been a great year for stocks, but in the past few days the bull market seems to have lost some of its mojo.

Read more on Barron's

It’s been a great year for stocks, but in the past few days the bull market seems to have lost some of its mojo.

Read more on Barron's

Furthering the sickly mojo, Gustav wants to stage his version of the hanging in the very room where it happened.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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