jinx
The English phrase 'jinx' can be translated into Dutch as jinx, which refers to a person or thing believed to bring bad luck.
In Dutch, jinx is used to describe a person or an object that is thought to cause bad luck. It is primarily used in a playful or slang context. There is also a related verb, beheksen, which means to bring bad luck to.
Meaning: a person or thing supposed to bring bad luck (noun)
Which one should you use?
While jinx is a loanword used in Dutch for a person or thing that brings bad luck, the word citroen is used specifically as an interjection when two people say the same thing at the same time to claim a 'jinx'.
Related words
When do people say it?
When two people speak simultaneously, a Dutch speaker might say citroen (literally 'lemon') to claim a 'jinx'.
Did you know?
- The Dutch word for a witch, heks, is the direct linguistic root of the verb beheksen, meaning to enchant or jinx someone.
- Dutch speakers use the word afkloppen to ward off a jinx, which literally means 'to knock off' rather than 'knock on wood'.
- The loanword jinx in Dutch sounds very modern and is often found in pop culture or gaming contexts rather than traditional folklore.
Example conversation
Lucas and Sophie are talking about a losing streak in a game.
- LucasWe hebben alweer verloren, Sophie.We lost again, Sophie.
- SophieIk denk dat ik een jinx ben.I think I am a jinx.
- LucasNee, dat is niet waar.No, that is not true.
- SophieToch heb ik altijd pech.Still, I always have bad luck.
