Jinx (1907, 1909, 1910)

[Douglas G. Wilson]

Here's the earliest stand-alone "jinx" in the "hoodoo" sense which I've
found. The application seems a little odd and it is possible that this is a
nonce or aberrant or erroneous use.

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_Reno Evening Gazette_ (Reno NV), 7 Aug. 1907: p. 6, col. 2:

<<The committee of arrangements of the Native Sons' celebration at San Jose
on Admission day has put the jinx on the proposition to raise $40,000 in
that city for a fight on September 9th between Gans and Britt.>>

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Here's another prize-fighting-associated use, with "jinx" probably
construed as a plural. The "skidoo number" is of course 23.

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_Nevada State Journal_ (Reno NV), 4 June 1909: p. 5(?), col. 1:

<<Like nearly all fighters the lightweight champion is superstitious. The
famed "skidoo number" he looks upon as the one best bet for keeping
hoodoos, jinx and other evil spirits out of his path to the top of the
pugilistic heap.>>

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Here's an early baseball-associated use.

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_Wichita Daily Times_ (Wichita Falls TX), 16 March 1910: p. 6, col. 3:

<<The Cincinnati Red Sox will play a series of thirteen games before the
season opens. The thirteen stunts is a fine, fat way to clap the jinks on
yourself before the big gong is hit.>>

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-- Doug Wilson