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For the same reason you can't say the name of that Scottish play, I guess!
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What is it bad luck to say in the theater?
In the British theatre it is bad luck to say "Macbeth". It is normally replaced by "the Scottish play".
Is it bad luck to say good luck in the theatre?
Although many actors believe that it is bad luck to say good luck in the theatre, it is not entirely proven that this might be real or not. However, it's said to be that Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, was known to be "cursed" and therefore, most of them seem to be in the clear... avoiding lines of the play that include scenes of him as well as the name of Macbeth itself before continuing to proceed or go on stage.With that said, this is the same with the statement "it is bad luck to say good luck in the theatre". No-one really knows if this can mess up the performance, but to stay safe, most actors just go with it and say "break a leg" instead.
Why is the term break a leg used?
This expression is one of many used those involved in live theatre. Theatrical folk are traditionally superstitious. They don't want to say "good luck" because that may bring bad luck, so "break a leg" is the order of the day. Another theatre superstition is one surrounding Shakespeare's "Macbeth" which is set in Scotland. Theatre folk will not mention the name of that play within a theatre for fear it will bring bad luck, unless it is spoken as a line in Macbeth. It is usually referred to as "that Scottish play".
Why is it bad luck to say Macbeth in a theatre?
Theater people believe it is bad luck. They call MacBeth the "Scottish play."
Why people say break a leg before getting on stage on the first exibition day?
In the old days, the things that held up the curtains were called "legs". So, saying "break a leg" means you want the person to get so many curtain calls that the leg holding up the curtain breaks.
How many things are there to bring the stage bad luck?
Stage actors and theatre people are some of the most superstitious folks I know. Some of the superstitions I know of are: - It is bad luck to say the last line of a play before the first performance. - It is bad luck to call the play Macbeth by its title. - a bad dress rehearsal is a sign the play will go well. - never wish an actor "good luck" instead say, "Break a leg" - if an actor is having a"good run" they may refuse to wash their socks until the play is over. - never look into a mirror over the shoulder of an actor. - many actors carry a talisman or good luck charm with them on stage.
Is it bad luck to say good luck in the dressing room?
The acting profession is very superstitious. True, to say 'good luck' to someone just going on stage is bad luck. Instead acting people say 'break a leg' its code for 'good luck' but the bad spirits don't know that.
Is it correct to say What a bad luck or What bad luck?
When something bad happens we say "What bad luck!"We do not say "What a bad luck!" because that is not correct in normal English usage.
Is it good luck to say good luck to a gambler?
Gamblers are some of the most superstitious people on earth. To some it would be good luck, to some bad luck.
What does it mean when you say something is a mix of good luck and bad luck?
Say you meet a girl and score on the first night; that's good luck! Now say you meet her in a couple of months and she tells you she missed her period and the doctor confirms that she's pregnant; that's bad luck.
Is it a good luck if bat bird enters home?
I would say that's bad luck.
What did charlie say when she dropped her doll on Good Luck Charlie?
a bad word
Do countries have bad or good luck?
depending on the country. they say in the acient underground cemeteries in china, ifyou steal sand from it, you'll get bad luck.
Does a robin nexting above your front door bring good luck?
i know but some people say yes but i don't belive in good luck or bad luck.
What are some other ways to say good luck?
Some alternative ways to say 'Good luck' in England are: Fingers crossed Be lucky Hope the gods are looking down on you Break a leg (usually said to actors before they are due to go on stage) Good fortune Wish you well Strongs Go get 'em and: 'all the best' Bonne chance in French (sounds like bon shons). Sterkte (Afrikaans for Good Luck) As a brief addendum, one tells an actor to "break a leg" because saying "good luck" to an actor about to perform is viewed as wishing them bad luck. The origin of the phrase is obscure, but the most common story is that an actor was profusely wished good luck before a show and during a stunt, broke his leg. The company and associated actors following superstition, would tell their fellows to break a leg to wish good luck as wishing an actor good luck could make them break a leg. Finally, if you are wishing luck to a hunter/soldier/fighter pilot the appropriate terms in English is "Good hunting".
Do foreign countries have bad or good luck?
depending on the country. they say in the acient underground cemeteries in china, ifyou steal sand from it, you'll get bad luck.
Is elephant with trunk down bad luck?
The trunk up is supposed to be good luck! Some believe that when the trunk is up it is good luck and when it is down its bad luck but even if the trunk goes down but tips up at the end its still bad luck
