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Ouija

The origin and history of Ouija.

Etymology

Contrary to the popular belief that it blends French oui and German ja (both meaning "yes"), the name reportedly came from a word the board itself spelled out when asked what it should be called, during an 1890s séance.

Origin: French · First attested 1890

Class of 1890

Ouija first entered the language around 1890. Other words from the same year:

See the full Class of 1890 →
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Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.