British Culture – Touch wood.
Said (often while touching something wooden) to keep away bad luck after saying something good. Also knock on wood.
What does “touch wood” mean?
In Great Britain a 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!
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.
Where does the superstition come from?
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)
In America people would usually say knock on wood instead. The meaning is exactly the same — only the wording changes!
No wood nearby? Tap your head!
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!
Example conversations
Example 1:
- 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 for a long time, touch wood!”
Example 2:
- 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.”
Example 3:
- Stan “There are just 10 minutes left. Barcelona are 2 goals up. They surely can’t lose the game now!”
- Oliver “Touch wood!”
More British Culture
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a superstitious phrase British people say to ward off bad luck — usually right after mentioning something good, so it doesn’t jinx it.
Yes — “touch wood” is the British version and “knock on wood” is the American version. Both mean exactly the same thing.
It’s a joke — pretending your head is made of wood too! It pokes a bit of fun at the superstition itself.
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