evil eye

Meaning

1. A wicked look conveying dislike or envy that in many cultures is believed to be able to cause bad luck or injury; also, the ability to cause bad luck or injury through such a look, supposed to be possessed by some people.
2. The charm used to ward off the evil eye; a nazar.
3. (humorous, often) A look conveying disapproval, envy, hostility, etc.

Synonyms

jinx

hex

whammy

curse

evil tongue

malediction

Translations

mal de ojo

mauvais œil

malocchio

mau-olhado

iettatura

boze oog

nazar

mal d'ull

aojo

ouolho gordo

aojamiento

mauvais oeil

mau olhado

لام

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˌiːvl̩‿ˈaɪ/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: ivel eie

Inherited from Old English: eage yfel

In summary

From Middle English ivel eie (“evil eye; envy”), from Old English eage yfel, a calque of Latin oculus malus, from oculus (“eye”) + malus (“bad, evil, wicked; destructive, hurtful, injurious; unfavourable, unlucky”).