Hoodoo Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

Hoodoo can refer to a traditional African American folk magic practice, or to a tall, thin rock formation shaped by erosion.

Usage & Nuances

As folk magic, 'hoodoo' is distinct from 'voodoo'—the first is American, the second Haitian/West African. As a geological term, it appears in contexts like 'Bryce Canyon is famous for its hoodoos.' Informal use can also mean 'bad luck' (as in 'hoodooed'). Context makes the meaning clear.

• Spanish: hechicería (afroamericana) - pilar rocoso (formación geológica)
• Portuguese (BR): magia popular (afro-americana) - chaminé de fada (formação geológica)
• Portuguese (PT): magia popular (afro-americana) - chaminé de fada (formação geológica)
• Chinese (Simplified): 胡都教（非裔美國民間信仰）- 石柱（地貌）
• Chinese (Traditional): 胡都教（非裔美國民間信仰）- 石柱（地貌）
• Hindi: हूडू (अफ्रीकी-अमेरिकी लोकजादू) - पत्थर का खंभा (भू-आकृति)
• Arabic: هودو (سحر شعبي أفريقي أمريكي) - عمود صخري (تشكيل جيولوجي)
• Bengali: হুডু (লোকজ জাদুবিদ্যা) - উঁচু পাথরের স্তম্ভ (ভূতত্ত্ব)
• Russian: гуду (народная магия) - худу (скальное образование)
• Japanese: フードゥー（民間呪術） - フードゥー岩（地形）
• Vietnamese: hoodoo (bùa chú dân gian) - trụ đá tự nhiên (địa chất)
• Korean: 후두(민속 마법) - 후두 암석 기둥(지질)
• Turkish: hoodoo (halk büyüsü) - peri bacası (jeoloji)
• Urdu: ہوڈو (عوامی جادو) - عجیب لمبا پتھر (ارضیات)
• Indonesian: hoodoo (sihir rakyat) - pilar batu runcing (geologi)

Example Sentences

Some people believe in the power of hoodoo.

basic

We saw a tall hoodoo in the desert.

basic

Exploring the desert, we found a field of strange hoodoos jutting out of the landscape.

natural

He thinks hoodoo can bring good luck.

basic

Bryce Canyon is famous for its colorful hoodoos.

natural

He joked that someone put a hoodoo on his car because it keeps breaking down.

natural