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Hoodoo Play audio

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

#SouthernWords   #Appalachia

Pronunciation

[HOO-doo]

Meaning & Usage

- Tricked or swindled (verb, past tense)

Cheated at the market
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 and Etymology

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.

Usage Notes

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

Kin Topics

Related Pages

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.

How to Cite This Page

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    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 14). Hoodoo. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/hoodoo/
  • MLA (9th edition)
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  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Hoodoo." HillbillySlang.com. August 14, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/hoodoo/.
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