juju

USAGE SUMMARY

"juju" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that refers to supernatural or magical powers or objects, often associated with African or Caribbean cultures. Example: The witch doctor used powerful juju to heal the sick child.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because Hollywood films tend to show people at the other end of that journey, they fail to resonate.Plenty of juju and JesusAfrican elites sneer at the frequent displays of witchcraft in Nigerian films.

The Economist

Many Nigerian films involve witchcraft, or "juju", because marketers have found that it sells especially well.

The Economist

By midnight the duo and their driver load me into a VW coupe and raced to a neighbourhood club called Excalibar, where sharply-dressed young people drank vodka and danced to American hip-hop and local juju tunes.

The Economist

Traditional curses are imposed, spirits wander, juju blood flows.

The Economist

Prior to Ade's formation of the African Beats, one of his most notable predecessors, I.K. Dairo, had already modified juju through incorporation of Yoruba "talking" drums which replicate the tones of Yoruba language and through extensive use of the call-and-response vocal structure that is typical of the traditional music of many sub-Saharan African peoples, including the Yoruba.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The principal progenitor of juju was palm-wine music, a syncretic genre that arose in the drinking establishments of the culturally diverse port cities of West Africa in the early decades of the 20th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From the mid-1930s thethe late 1940s, juju was performed as dance music in taverns as well as at assorted family festivities, such as naming ceremonies and weddings without any significant shifts in instrumentation or musical style.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With its ability to "talk" by imitating the tones and rhythms of Yoruba language, the drum brought with it an instrumental repertoire of traditional proverbs and praise-names (short descriptions of the honourable characteristics of a person) that were inserted into juju performances, often as commentaries on the song texts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He assembled his own juju band, the Green Spots, which he later renamed the African Beats, reflecting the re-Africanization of the genre that had been occurring since the early 1950s in conjunction with a growing sense of nationalism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the mid-1980s Ade had exposed much of the non-African world to Nigerian juju.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Specialists with extensive know-how and experience typically create juju.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "juju", provide context to avoid cultural appropriation or misrepresentation. Clearly define the specific cultural tradition you are referring to and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "juju" casually or humorously, as it can trivialize deeply held beliefs and practices within certain cultures. Treat the term with respect and sensitivity.

Linguistic Context

The noun "juju" functions primarily as a referential term, designating objects or beliefs associated with magical or supernatural power, particularly in West African traditions. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

41%

News & Media

37%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "juju" is a noun with multiple layers of meaning rooted in West African traditions. It is used to describe a fetish or charm with magical powers, the power itself, or the belief system associated with it. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correctly and commonly used in written English. While originating in specific cultural contexts, its use now extends to broader discussions of magic, superstition, and cultural practices, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in Encyclopedias and News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fetish

Focuses on the object believed to have magical properties, often within a specific cultural context.

supernatural power

Highlights the extraordinary or inexplicable force associated with "juju".

amulet

Highlights an object worn for protection or good luck.

magic charm

Emphasizes the object believed to possess supernatural powers.

spiritual force

Underscores the intangible energy believed to influence events or people.

witchcraft

Broader term referring to the practice of magic or sorcery.

voodoo

Highlights the religious practice involving ceremonies and spells.

superstition

Focuses on the belief in supernatural causation or influence.

hoodoo

Emphasizes the folk magic traditions.

black magic

Focuses on malevolent use of supernatural power.

FAQs

How is "juju" typically used in sentences?

The word "juju" is used to refer to a fetish or charm believed to have magical powers, or to the magical power itself. For example, one might say "The film features plenty of "juju" and Jesus" or "West African "juju" rituals were used to instill terror".

What are some alternative terms for "juju"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "witchcraft", "magic charm", or "fetish".

Is it appropriate to use the term "juju" in all contexts?

The appropriateness of using "juju" depends heavily on the context. It's crucial to be respectful of the cultural origins and significance of the term, avoiding its use in contexts that might trivialize or misrepresent these beliefs.

What is the origin of the word "juju"?

The word "juju" is believed to be derived from the French "joujou" ("plaything"), though some sources claim it is from the Hausa language, meaning "fetish" or "evil spirit".