hoodoo

In Appalachian speech, "hoodoo" means to be tricked, swindled, or cheated.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

You'll hear this one in the south. And there's a difference between somebody trying to get more money out of you and actually trying to 'hooddoo' you.

Pronunciation

[HOO-doo]

Meaning & Usage

- Tricked or swindled (verb, past tense)

Elmer:

I only paid $11 for these peanut beans.

Estel:

Man, I b'lieve you got hoodoo’d.

★ If someone says you got hoodoo’d, watch your wallet next time you’re dealin’. ★

Origin

Likely from "hoodoo," a word for folk magic and bad luck, but in Appalachia it took on the meaning of being tricked or cheated, reflecting the idea of being under a bad spell.

Notes

"Hoodoo" is often used in casual conversation to describe feeling cheated or taken advantage of, especially in markets, trades, or deals.

Kin Topics

Appalachia

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "hoodoo" the same as "hoodoo" magic?

Not exactly. While related historically, "hoodoo" in Appalachia usually means being swindled rather than literal magic.

Can you use "hoodoo" as a noun?

It’s mostly used as a verb meaning "to cheat," but sometimes people say "that was a hoodoo."

Where is "hoodoo" most common?

It’s found mostly in Appalachian and Southern speech, especially rural communities.