Mojo is an American word by way of Africa, it has a literal and a figurative meaning. We’ll discuss the meanings of the word mojo, where the word comes from, and look at its use in a few sentences.
Mojo may mean a magic talisman or charm or the power derived from that magic talisman or charm. Often, this mojo is carried in a pouch around one’s neck. Figuratively, mojo refers to someone’s personal power, his ability to influence others, his sexual magnetism. The word mojo first appeared around 1920, probably from the Creole culture. It may have been derived from the Fula word moco’o, which means medicine man. Fula is a language that is spoken across Western and Central Africa. The word mojo enters mainstream English with songs written by African-American blues singer Muddy Waters in the 1950s, such as Got My Mojo Workin’. The term crossed into American rock with the song L.A. Woman’ by Jim Morrison and The Doors. The title Mr. Mojo Risin’ is an anagram of the name Jim Morrison. Today, mojo is more likely to refer to a person’s personal strength and feelings of capability rather than talismans or magic.
Examples
The wild card, however, seems to be an economy that can’t seem to regain its mojo seven years after the Great Recession because of some deep-seated obstacles. (USA Today)
For now, Tritton is calling it the “Target mojo” as he meets with vendors and his team to capture the spirit of innovation he wants to bring to merchandising and the shopping experience. (The Providence Journal)
The only conclusion one can draw is that something has changed — that Minnesota has lost its mojo. (The Minneapolis Star-Tribune)