- A superstitious phrase said to express hope for good luck or to ward off bad luck, often accompanied by the physical act of rapping one's knuckles on a wooden object. Used after making a positive statement about the future or present that one hopes will not be jinxed.
Explanation
Origin
The exact origin is uncertain, with several theories:
- Pre-Christian pagan beliefs that spirits or gods resided in trees (especially oak), and touching the wood invoked their protection or prevented them from hearing boasts and interfering.
- Christian associations with the wooden cross.
- An old children's game called Tiggy Touchwood where touching wood made a player safe.
Regardless of origin, it's a deeply ingrained superstition in many cultures.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Not many direct slang equivalents, as it's a specific superstitious act/phrase. Fingers crossed is a close functional equivalent.
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Not applicable. It's a superstitious expression, not typically intensified with vulgarity.
Milder/Formal:
- Hopefully.
- I certainly hope so.
- Let's hope for the best.
Situational Appropriateness
- Very common in informal and semi-formal conversation.
- Generally harmless, though overly relying on it in a serious business context might seem unprofessional or overly superstitious to some.
- The physical action makes it quite noticeable.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might not understand the superstitious function and wonder why someone is talking about wood or hitting furniture. Explaining it as a way to not jinx something positive usually clarifies it.
Examples
- I haven't been sick all winter, knock on wood. (Often said while rapping knuckles on a table)
- We should arrive on time, touch wood.
- Hopefully, the presentation goes well tomorrow, knock on wood.
Dialogue
Alex: My car has been running perfectly since I got it fixed.
Sam: That's great!
Alex: Yeah, knock on wood. (Raps knuckles on the wooden table) Hopefully, it stays that way.
Sam: (Smiling) Touch wood.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Feeling really healthy lately! Knock on wood. 🙏 #health #goodvibes
- Post: Submitted my final thesis! Hoping for good feedback, touch wood. 🤞 #phdlife #fingerscrossed
- Comment: Our team is on a winning streak... knock on wood don't want to jinx it!
Response Patterns
- Often, the listener might mimic the action or say Yeah, knock on wood.
- A simple nod or acknowledgement: Hope so. / Fingers crossed.
- Sometimes light teasing about being superstitious.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says knock on wood:
- The conversation usually just continues. It's a minor ritual, not typically a major point of discussion.
- Someone might ask (playfully), Is that real wood? if the person knocks on something questionable.
- Action: The speaker (and sometimes listener) physically knocks on wood.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a reactive phrase used after stating something positive or hopeful.
Intonation
- Usually said quickly, sometimes almost as an aside or reflex, after a statement of hope or good fortune.
- Stress on knock and wood or touch and wood.
- Often accompanied by the physical action.
- I've never broken a bone, KNOCK on WOOD.
Generation Differences
- Very common across all generations, often passed down through families.
Regional Variations
- Knock on wood is predominant in North America.
- Touch wood is predominant in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries.
- Both are generally understood in most regions.