mojo

noun

1. (countable)A magic spell or hex.
2. (countable)An object (such as a charm or amulet) used to cast magic spells, especially in hoodoo.

   “A doney, for instance, is a woman of worse than doubtful morals, and a nation sack is a cloth pouch worn on a string around the neck for holding mojos and small change.”

3. (uncountable)Spellcraft, hoodoo.
4. (countable, informal, uncountable)Supernatural skill; exceptional luck, success, or power.

   “I haven’t seen much mojo in the state Legislature for that or any other major intervention, though. Hey, lawmakers, you should check out the test scores for your own school districts. It might be yours are needing some help, too, maybe even more so than Seattle.”

5. (countable, slang, uncountable)Personal magnetism; charm; that which makes one successful and liked, viewed as an inherent power that can be present or absent.

   “Still reeling from the 2023 Voice loss, Albanese struggled until the start of this year to regain his mojo. Polls relentlessly showed the prime minister was on the nose with voters weary over the cost of living.”

6. (countable, slang, uncountable)Sex appeal; sex drive.

   “Look at the way the chicks are checking out Daniel on the dancefloor. He's still got plenty of mojo.”

7. (countable, slang, uncountable)An illegal drug, especially morphine or other narcotics.
8. (countable, slang, uncountable, usually)A telecopier; a fax machine.
9. (countable, uncountable)Any of various sauces originating in the Canary Islands and made with olive oil, peppers, garlic, paprika, and other spices.

   “I know I want one more satisfying starch, and I’m debating between Yewande Komolafe’s plantains with beans and Von Diaz’s yuca coated in a warm, garlicky mojo.”

10. (alt-of, alternative)Alternative form of moio (“Portuguese dry measure”).
11. (alt-of, alternative)Alternative form of Moxo.

verb

1. (informal, transitive)To cast a magic spell on or jinx (someone).
2. (informal, transitive)To annoy or bother (someone).

name

1. (alt-of, alternative)Alternative form of Moxo.