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General Discussion & Feedback => Just Chat! => Topic started by: paul.fr on 04/04/2009 14:14:16

Title: Why do we wish someone good luck by telling them to break a leg?
Post by: paul.fr on 04/04/2009 14:14:16

Surely breaking a leg is not good luck?

Title: Why do we wish someone good luck by telling them to break a leg?
Post by: Karen W. on 04/04/2009 14:35:58

I always screw up and say Good luck! [:I] [:I]

Title: Why do we wish someone good luck by telling them to break a leg?
Post by: Don_1 on 04/04/2009 16:28:53

Earliest use of this term appears to date from Germany 1905.

One cannot offend a German hunter more than by wishing him good luck: the orthodox formula when parting with him is; "Weidmann Heil! Brechen Sie Hals und Beine!"

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=508083 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=508083)

Title: Why do we wish someone good luck by telling them to break a leg?
Post by: Karen W. on 04/04/2009 23:46:04

What does that mean Don 1?

Title: Why do we wish someone good luck by telling them to break a leg?
Post by: Ethos on 05/04/2009 00:17:40

Quote from: Karen W. on 04/04/2009 23:46:04

What does that mean Don 1?

Bright sportsman, break your neck and legs.

My first wife was German and that would have been one of her fondest wishes.........

Title: Why do we wish someone good luck by telling them to break a leg?
Post by: Karen W. on 05/04/2009 02:02:05

OUCH.........EWEEEEEEEEEEE Were you a really bad boy??? LOL

Title: Why do we wish someone good luck by telling them to break a leg?
Post by: Ethos on 05/04/2009 04:11:26

Quote from: Karen W. on 05/04/2009 02:02:05

OUCH.........EWEEEEEEEEEEE Were you a really bad boy??? LOL

At the drop of a hat, and every opportunity. But alas, time has a way of teaching one things they just weren't ready to accept while in their youth.....................Ethos

Title: Why do we wish someone good luck by telling them to break a leg?
Post by: Karen W. on 05/04/2009 09:04:41

Yeah I hear that!

Title: Why do we wish someone good luck by telling them to break a leg?
Post by: paul.fr on 05/04/2009 10:54:09

Thanks, Don.