DCHP-1 Online
jinker [origin unknown; ? related to jinx] Nfld 
1 n. See quotes.
- 1902 [jinker--Nfld. An unlucky fellow, one who does not succeed at anything.]
- 1953 Two jinkers in our harbour dwell, adventuresome and plucky. . . .
- 1962 Things got so bad Thursday that people were saying a "jinker"--a Newfoundland term for one who brings bad luck--must have been responsible.
2 n. an imaginary creature to whom bad luck is attributed; gremlin.
- 1962 The visit was plagued by "jinkers" (a Newfoundland variant of gremlins).
- 1902 [jinker--Nfld. An unlucky fellow, one who does not succeed at anything.]