Jinx
A jinx can be initiated when at least two people make any of the same sounds, comments, etc. unintentionally say (or type, in the case ofInternet jinx) the same word or phrase at the same time. If one of them (the “jinxer”) yells “Jinx!” before any further conversation has begun, the other person (the “jinxee”) is in a state of being “jinxed” and may not speak further until they are “released” from the jinx. The rules for what constitutes such a release vary. Traditionally, a jinx is ended when anyone speaks the jinxed person’s name. However, a common variation says that only the jinxer can free the jinxee from their obligation to remain silent. (This is sometimes called a “private jinx” or “jinx personal lock”.) In some places you can ‘Touch wood’ to counteract the jinx so the jinxer is now jinxed.
The game ends when either the jinxee is released from the jinx or when the jinxee “breaks” the jinx by speaking while in a state of being jinxed. In the latter case, the Jinxee loses the game, and often a penalty is exacted.
Simultaneous speaking that is planned or expected, such as during the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance or during the singing of a song, is ineligible for a jinx to occur. A jinx may only follow a spontaneous and unexpected overlapping of conversation by both parties.
The Jinxee may not try to reverse the jinx by attempting to rejinx the jinxer. Once you are the Jinxee you must stay the jinxee until the game is over.
