Jinks vs. Jinx: What's the Difference?
Jinks and jinx are two terms that are often confused due to their similarity in sound, yet they serve very different purposes in language. Jinks, less commonly used, pertains to quick, evasive turns or movements, especially in sports or games. On the other hand, jinx refers to a curse or spell that brings about bad luck, or the act of attributing bad luck to someone or something.
How do you use the word jinks in a sentence?
The word jinks is typically used to describe quick and nimble movements that are designed to evade or mislead an opponent. It is most commonly used in the context of sports to highlight an athlete's agile maneuvers. Although the term is not as widely used as jinx, it still finds its place in discussions about sports or playful antics that involve dodging and weaving.
Examples of jinks in a sentence
- The football player's quick jinks left the defenders confused and trailing behind.
- She performed a series of clever jinks to avoid her tagger during the game of tag.
- His jinks through the crowded street showcased his ability to move swiftly around obstacles.
How do you use the word jinx in a sentence?
Use the word jinx when referring to bad luck or the act of causing someone misfortune, often in a light-hearted or superstitious context. The term can relate to a belief that one's actions or words have the power to invoke bad luck on someone or to an object or person that is believed to bring bad luck.
Examples of jinx in a sentence
- Many athletes believe that mentioning a no-hitter during the game will jinx it.
- After a string of lost games, the players began to wonder if their mascot was a jinx.
- She knocked on wood to avoid a jinx after making a hopeful statement about the weather.
Jinks and jinx definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Jinks definition:
Jinks refers to playful or skilled maneuvers or dodges, especially during sports or games.
Jinks parts of speech:
Jinks pronunciation:
Jinks is pronounced as /jiNGks/.
Jinx definition:
A jinx is a person, thing, or situation that is thought to bring bad luck, or it can refer to the act of bringing bad luck.
Jinx parts of speech:
Jinx pronunciation:
Jinx is pronounced as /jinks/.
Jinks refers to playful or skilled maneuvers or dodges, especially during sports or games.
Jinks parts of speech:
- As a noun, jinks refers to the actual sidesteps or deceptive maneuvers: The player's jinks were so unpredictable, no one could catch him.
Jinks pronunciation:
Jinks is pronounced as /jiNGks/.
Jinx definition:
A jinx is a person, thing, or situation that is thought to bring bad luck, or it can refer to the act of bringing bad luck.
Jinx parts of speech:
- As a noun, a jinx is associated with bad luck: The team hasn't won since the new coach came; some say he's a jinx.
- As a verb, it means to bring bad luck or to hex someone: I hope I didn't jinx us by saying how well everything's going.
Jinx pronunciation:
Jinx is pronounced as /jinks/.
Jinks vs. Jinx in a nutshell
In summary, jinks pertains to agile and evasive movements, often utilized in sports, to outmaneuver opponents. Jinx, conversely, deals with superstition and bad luck, either as the source of misfortune or the act of causing such an effect. Understanding the distinction between these two terms eliminates confusion and enriches vocabulary use in sporting, playful, or superstitious contexts.
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