The evil eye is not only a well known subject in mysticism, but has also become a colloquialism in modern culture. When one looks upon another with jealousy or with maliciousness then that person is said to be giving the "evil eye." This figurative meaning is also closely related to the literal interpretation of the evil eye according to its historical origins. The evil eye has been associated with various faiths and nations throughout the years, from black magic and witchcraft to Judaism and Islam. Mainstream Christianity holds the evil eye as a pagan practice, but still refers to the term figuratively in both the Old Testament and New Testament as the state of enviousness or covetousness. (Compare the expression "thine eye be evil") The belief is mostly absent in Eastern Asian civilization, though a well known Usage curse is still widely held in some areas of the Philippines.

Literally, the evil eye refers to the supernatural ability to cast spells or exercise power over the lives of others with a mere glance. By looking at another person and casting the evil eye, one can place a curse on his fellow man which will then bewitch him or harm his entire people. In ancient religious belief, individuals who were capable of this power had the ability to bring on great disaster, physical illness or even death to their victim. It was also perceived that the envy that was elicited by a person's good luck (or happy state of life) could result in their misfortune. What is interesting about this belief is that the causes, origins and protective measures of the eye vary according to culture.

Victims that are on the receiving end of the evil eye are generally thought of to be "lucky", though primary victims have traditionally been the very young, as in babies and toddlers. This is likely because youth is very often praised and commented on by the likes of strangers, and specifically, childless women who would have reason to be covetous. However, the victims of the evil eye are certainly not limited to the young, or even to human beings; evil eyes can also be cast on livestock or even an inanimate possession. That is why it is important to protect one's pet as well with an evil eye charm.

It should be noted that the word "evil" can be misleading, at least according to some cultures, who believe that one who casts the evil eye doesn't necessarily curse the victim intentionally. The original English term for "the evil eye" conveyed the idea of "overlooking." This could emphasize the point that a person is holding a covetous gaze so long that he or she is causing a calamity, rather than willing it to be. Some cultures believe that the evil eye is an involuntary curse and that it is cast by covetous people who themselves are cursed with such great power for calamity. Other cultures, however believe that only the "sin" of envy brings out the worst effects of the evil eye.