hoodoo
UK[ˈhuːduː]US[ˈhuːduː]
n
a set of magical beliefs and practices, especially as associated with afro-caribbean and african american folk magic.
n
something that brings or causes bad luck.
n
a natural column of rock in the western us, often fantastically shaped.
v
to bring bad luck to; bewitch.
Etymology
the term 'hoodoo' entered american english in the late 19th century, originating from african american vernacular. it is a phonetic alteration of 'voodoo', which itself derives from the vodun religion of west africa, specifically from the fon and ewe languages of present-day benin, togo, and ghana, where 'vodun' means 'spirit' or 'deity'. the semantic shift from the specific religious system of 'voodoo' to the more general folk magic and bad luck connotations of 'hoodoo' occurred within the united states. the geological sense, referring to the eerily shaped rock formations, arose in the american west due to the superstitious awe they inspired, metaphorically extending the word's association with mystery and enchantment.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword. it does not contain separable morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
some people in the region still practice hoodoo, using roots and herbs for various purposes.
the team blamed their losing streak on a mysterious hoodoo.
the park is famous for its bizarre sandstone hoodoos shaped by wind and water erosion.