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British Culture - Touch Wood
In Great Britain another phrase you may hear people say is touch wood or knock on wood. This is an interesting British superstition that has been around for many years. Let's check out what this superstition means!
Touch wood!
If you hear a British person say touch wood you'll probably see them touch, tap or knock something that is made from wood at the same time. British people do this when they are trying to send away bad luck. This phrase may be said when someone is experiencing some good luck and doesn't want it to end! It may also be said if we tempt fate. To tempt fate means to talk about something too confidently and invite bad luck.
If there is no wood around a British person will tap their head instead! This is done as a joke. If a person had a wooden head they would not be very clever. British people love to laugh at themselves!
This superstition is said to have started many years ago. People used to believe good spirits lived in the trees, so they tapped the trees to let them know they were there. Trees are, of course, made of wood. (Source - phrases.org.uk)
Note: In America people would usually say knock on wood.
Here are some examples:
Mandy: It's been so cold this winter. I don't like the cold. I've been ill for weeks.
Jack: I've been lucky. I've not been ill since last year. Touch wood.
Bill: What time is your meeting today?
Lisa: It's in one hour. I should be there in plenty of time, as long as the traffic's not too bad. Touch wood.
Stan: There are just 10 minutes left. Barcelona are 2 goals up. They surely can't lose the game now!
Oliver: Touch wood!
Do you have any superstitions for sending away bad luck?
Do you believe that you can tempt fate? Does this affect what you do or say?
Can you think of a time when you would use this superstition and touch wood?
More on British Culture
Add a Comment
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Comment by Ann Shepovalova on February 3, 2013 at 19:22 -
Duece, hm, I thought that's something like devil, but more soft, isn't it? I couldn't find the suitable word, may be little imp would be more correct.
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Teacher Comment by English Teacher Jamie on February 3, 2013 at 15:02 -
That's a very interesting superstition Ann. I've not heard that one before. I don't know what you mean by a deuce?
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Comment by Ann Shepovalova on February 2, 2013 at 12:11
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Ha-ha! Amusing video! We use tap your head much more often ))). And one more superstition come up to mind, my granny used to say "spit over left shoulder" when someone talk about something good. When I asked her "why" she answered that behind the left shoulder there is a deuce, behind the right - there is an angel.
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Teacher Comment by English Teacher Jamie on October 19, 2012 at 10:38 -
That's awesome Cong! A very funny sketch. I've not see this before, so thank you for sharing.
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Comment by Ngo Thanh Cong on October 19, 2012 at 10:29 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vylEYhZWQs
ere is a short comedy sketch about the " blind date" . If you listen carefully, you'll hear the phrase " Touch wood" . :) I've tried hard to figure out what makes it funny, eventually I got it, haha.....Now is your turn , give it a try everyone....:) Hope you enjoy it ! Cheers :)
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Teacher Comment by English Teacher Jamie on October 16, 2012 at 22:48 -
That's a very interesting superstition Parapa.
It must take time to register a new name, change bank details, inform the tax office...
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Comment by Parapa Brahmsakha on October 16, 2012 at 10:22 -
Thank you for the interesting blog teacher! :)
I don't know much about superstitions in Thailand. As I know, many people believe in NAME- they believe that changing their name can send away bad luck and welcome the new things like they have new life.
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Comment by coco on October 15, 2012 at 12:42
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Right it is fun and maybe something can happen, who knows.... :)
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Teacher Comment by English Teacher Jamie on October 15, 2012 at 10:11 -
I'm not sure it works either! It's a little bit of fun. :)
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Comment by coco on October 14, 2012 at 16:26
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Many people say that here too....but I really don't know if it works. I never really thought to do this kind of thing... but some people belives at it I guess....
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