v-o-o-d-o-o
VOODOO refers to a complex spiritual tradition originating in West Africa, later evolving in Haiti and Louisiana. Also used to describe mysterious or magical practices. In Scrabble, VOODOO scores 10 base points with its double O letters.
10
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
VOODOO represents one of the world's most misunderstood religious traditions, a syncretic faith that blends West African spiritual practices with elements of Catholicism, indigenous beliefs, and other influences. Far from the Hollywood stereotypes of dolls and curses, voodoo (also spelled vodou or vodun) is a living religion practiced by millions worldwide, particularly in Haiti, Benin, and Louisiana.
The religion originated among the Fon and Ewe peoples of West Africa, where "vodun" means "spirit" or "deity." During the Atlantic slave trade, enslaved Africans brought these beliefs to the Americas, where they evolved and adapted. In Haiti, vodou became a unifying force during the revolution (1791-1804), helping enslaved people organize and ultimately achieve independence. Louisiana voodoo developed separately, blending African traditions with Native American and European folk magic.
True voodoo practice centers on serving the lwa (spirits), honoring ancestors, and maintaining balance between the visible and invisible worlds. Practitioners believe in a supreme creator (Bondye) who is distant from human affairs, with lwa serving as intermediaries. Ceremonies involve drumming, dancing, singing, and spirit possession, where lwa temporarily inhabit practitioners' bodies to offer guidance and healing.
Popular culture has grossly distorted voodoo, reducing it to "black magic" and zombie folklore. The infamous "voodoo doll" actually has little connection to authentic practice—similar poppets appear in many folk magic traditions worldwide. This misrepresentation has real consequences, contributing to discrimination against practitioners and obscuring the religion's rich cultural heritage.
In modern usage, "voodoo" has taken on metaphorical meanings. "Voodoo economics" describes seemingly magical economic theories. "Voodoo science" refers to pseudoscientific practices. These uses, while common, perpetuate negative stereotypes about a legitimate religious tradition. Some practitioners prefer "vodou" or "vodun" to distinguish authentic practice from pop culture caricatures.
For Scrabble players, VOODOO offers unique strategic value. The double O provides interesting placement options, while the V (4 points) and D (2 points) add moderate scoring potential. The word totals 10 base points, making it a solid middle-range play. The double letters can be advantageous for parallel plays, as OO creates multiple two-letter word opportunities. VOODOO can also extend to VOODOOED, VOODOOING, VOODOOISM, or VOODOOIST for higher scores.
"Voodoo" derives from West African languages, specifically from Fon "vodun" and Ewe "vodu," meaning "spirit," "god," or "divine power." This term traveled across the Atlantic during the slave trade, evolving as it adapted to new contexts.
Language evolution timeline: • Fon/Ewe "vodun" (West Africa): Original term for spirits/deities • Haitian Creole "vodou": Developed during colonial period • Louisiana Creole "voudou": French colonial influence • American English "voodoo": Anglicized by 1850s • Also appears as: hoodoo, vodun, voudoun, vaudoux
The word entered American English through Louisiana, appearing in print by the 1850s. Early spellings varied wildly—"voudou," "vaudoux," "voodoo"—reflecting different attempts to transliterate African languages into European writing systems. The double-O spelling became standard in English, possibly influenced by words like "hoodoo" (related but distinct practice).
Interestingly, "voodoo" as a verb ("to bewitch, hex") appeared by 1880, while metaphorical uses ("voodoo economics") emerged in the 20th century. The term "zombie," now divorced from voodoo context, comes from Kimbundu "nzambi" (god) via Haitian Creole "zonbi."
•Real voodoo practitioners call their faith "Vodou" or "Vodun" to distinguish it from Hollywood stereotypes
•Haiti recognizes Vodou as an official religion alongside Catholicism, practiced by millions of Haitians
•The "voodoo doll" actually comes from European folk magic, not authentic African or Haitian traditions
•VOODOO's double O letters make it perfect for parallel plays—each O can form multiple two-letter words
"The museum's voodoo exhibit respectfully presented the religion's true practices, dispelling common myths."
"Playing VOODOO across two double letter scores turned those O's into point-scoring gold!"
Real religious practices
Common misconceptions
MAGIC
Supernatural power
SPELL
Magical incantation
WITCH
Magic practitioner
RITUAL
Ceremonial practice
MYSTIC
Spiritual seeker
SHAMAN
Spiritual healer
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 10 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 4 | Consonants: 2
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like VOODOO