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Hexes, Hiccups, and Hilarious Curses: My Witch-Tok Adventure

The concept of "hexing" someone is a common one in folklore and fiction, often depicted as a form of magic intended to cause harm or misfortune. Is It really so bad?

Julie Gish Norris

12/30/20243 min read

A sign hanging from the side of a brick building
A sign hanging from the side of a brick building

So, I recently found myself scrolling through the magical abyss of Witch-Tok. While most creators are whipping up spells for good luck, money, and more money, there’s this one creator who’s on a mission to hex the patriarchy into oblivion. And honestly? I’m here for it. But it got me wondering—what is a hex, exactly? And does it work? (You know, asking for a friend.)

Hexing 101: The Basics

A hex is a magical "Get Out of My Life" card. It’s like sending bad vibes via express delivery, typically to cause someone harm or misfortune. Technically, it’s the same as a curse. Historically, hexing’s gotten a bad rap, tangled up in the harmful stereotypes about witches being evil or out for revenge.

Interestingly, the word “hex” comes from the German word "Hexe," which literally means "witch." So, next time you’re throwing shade at someone, just imagine you’re linguistically paying homage to our German witchy ancestors. Neat, right? (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/german-english/hexe)

Curse Tablets: The OG Hex Merch

Back in the Greco-Roman days, hexing was basically a cottage industry. Archaeologists have unearthed over 1,600 curse tablets inscribed in Greek or Latin. These were like magical Post-its, asking the gods to mess with someone’s life. Honestly, can you imagine the business opportunities? Etsy would have been lit. (https://www.yalealumnimagazine.com/articles/5270-curses-and-the-revenge-of-br-the-greeks)

Hexing and Healing: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

On a serious note, I get the appeal of hexing—especially when you’re up against systemic injustice or, you know, people who just seriously suck. It’s tempting to channel that rage into something tangible, like wishing your nemesis steps on a LEGO every day for eternity.

One Witch-Tok creator I follow argues that hexing can be a form of healing—a catharsis. And while I’m not sure if hexes are legit magic or just fancy venting, I can’t deny that it feels so good to let out a string of creative curse words. (I mean, is it even Monday if you’re not muttering, “May your coffee always be lukewarm and decaf” under your breath?)

My Personal Hex Wishlist

If I were to hex someone, I’d keep it light. Maybe make them hit every red light on their commute or turn their daily morning yogurt into a science experiment overnight. Small but mighty inconveniences are where it’s at.

For those who prefer their hexes with a side of humor, here are some of my favorite historical gems:

  • The Shoemaker’s Curse (Ancient Rome): “May your shoes always squeak when you walk, and may you never find the other sock.”

  • The Binding Curse of Opponents (Greek Papyri): “May their muscles cramp, and their sandals break mid-race.”

  • Curse of the Cursed Ale (Medieval Europe): “May all your ale turn to vinegar, and may every pint you drink give you the hiccups!”

  • The Lousy Lover Curse (Ancient Egypt): “May your romantic gestures always be ignored, and may your kisses taste of onions.”

  • The Baker’s Revenge (Victorian England): “May your bread forever be stale, your yeast weak, and your pastries soggy.”

  • The Curse of the Cows (Scottish Highlands): “May your cows give sour milk, and your fields grow only weeds.”

  • The Fishy Business Curse (Seafarers): “May your nets always be empty, and may your boat reek of rotten fish!”

  • Shakespearean Insults as Curses: "Thou art unfit for any place but hell!"

  • The Curse of the Noisy Neighbor: “May your neighbors forever have squeaky beds and argue loudly every night.”

  • The Curse of Eternal Bad Hair Days: “May your hair always frizz in humidity and your part never be straight.”

  • The Curse of Eternal Crotch Itch: “May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your ballsack.”

Whether hexing is your vibe or not, there’s no denying the creative energy behind these curses. And let’s be real, sometimes imagining your arch-nemesis dealing with squeaky shoes is the petty therapy you need. Remember, magic’s all about intention — so use it wisely (or hilariously).

If you’ve got tips, tricks, or just a good witchy joke, contact me using the form below. I’ll be over here, trying not to set anything on fire (maybe).

Blessed be, or as I like to say, "Stay witchy, my friends!"

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