mojo
noun

- a quality that attracts people to you and makes you successful and full of energy

- a seemingly supernatural power, influence, or ability

- a magic spell, hex, or charm

- a sauce, marinade, or seasoning that is usually composed primarily of olive oil, garlic, citrus juice, and spices (such as black pepper and cumin)

Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, Merriam-Webster

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WORD ORIGIN

The term "mojo" is believed to have roots in the African-American spiritual and cultural practices that originated from African traditions, particularly among the Gullah people of the southeastern United States. The word is thought to derive from the Kongo word moyo, meaning "soul" or "life force." In this context, "mojo" referred to a magical charm or spell intended to influence one's luck, personal power, or attraction.

In African-American folk magic, particularly in the practice of hoodoo, a "mojo" (or "mojo bag") is a small, often cloth, bag containing various items like herbs, roots, coins, bones, and other objects believed to have magical properties. These bags were carried for protection, luck, or to attract love or success.

By the mid-20th century, the word "mojo" began to enter mainstream American language, and often used more loosely to refer to someone's personal magic, charm, or influence. This usage was popularized in part by blues music, where "mojo" often referred to sexual or romantic power. For example, the famous blues song "Got My Mojo Working" by Muddy Waters (1957) helped bring the term into popular consciousness.

Today, "mojo" is commonly used to describe a person's confidence, charm, or ability to succeed, often with a somewhat mystical or ineffable quality. It can also refer to the energy or force that someone has in achieving their goals or desires.

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SYNONYMS

ability to charm, allure, amulet, animal magnetism, appeal, aura, bewitchery, captivation, charisma, charm, chemistry, conjuration, cool factor, dazzle, draw, drawing power, edge, electricity, enchantment, energy, enticement, flair, force (of personality), glamour, gravitas, groove, hex, influence, it (factor), je ne sais quoi, juice, lure, magic (touch), magnetic personality, magnetism, MOJO, mystique, oomph, personal magnetism (power), pizazz, pizzazz, presence, pull, pzazz, razzle-dazzle, rizz, seductiveness, sex appeal, sorcery, special sauce, spirit, that certain something, the force, verve, vibe, wattage, winning ways, witchcraft, witchery, x-factor

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