How Do You Spell TOUCH WOOD?

Pronunciation: [tˈʌt͡ʃ wˈʊd] (IPA)

The phrase "touch wood" is commonly used to ward off bad luck or jinxing a positive situation. The spelling of "touch" is straightforward, with the "t" sound followed by the "uh" vowel and the "ch" consonant sound, represented in IPA as /tʌtʃ/. However, the spelling of "wood" can be confusing, as the "w" consonant sound is followed by the "uh" vowel and the "d" consonant sound, with the "oo" vowel sound absent. The IPA representation is /wʊd/.

TOUCH WOOD Meaning and Definition

1. "Touch wood" is a common phrase used to express a superstitious belief or an attempt to ward off bad luck. It is often said after mentioning a positive occurrence, desirable outcome, or a future action to ensure that nothing jinxes it or to prevent any potential misfortune.

   The expression "touch wood" originates from various folklore and beliefs, including ancient pagan traditions and religious customs. It is believed that trees possess protective spirits, and touching or knocking on wood was thought to invoke these spirits and bring good luck. The act of physically touching or tapping on wood is meant to reinforce a hope, desire, or affirmation, as well as to divert any negative energy or evil influence.

   The phrase is commonly used across different English-speaking countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It has become a well-known idiom and is typically accompanied by a physical action of quickly touching a wooden surface.

   While "touch wood" is primarily used to acknowledge good fortune or to express a desire for continued luck, it can also be used jokingly or in a lighthearted manner to add humor to a conversation. It is important to note that while the phrase is widely understood, it is based on superstition and does not possess any actual supernatural power. Its significance lies more in the psychological reassurance it offers than in any concrete effect.

Common Misspellings for TOUCH WOOD

• touchwood
• rouch wood
• fouch wood
• gouch wood
• youch wood
• 6ouch wood
• 5ouch wood
• tiuch wood
• tkuch wood
• tluch wood
• tpuch wood
• t0uch wood
• t9uch wood
• toych wood
• tohch wood
• tojch wood
• toich wood
• to8ch wood
• to7ch wood
• touxh wood
• touvh wood

Etymology of TOUCH WOOD

The phrase "touch wood" is used as a superstitious expression when someone mentions a desire or a positive outcome and wants to avoid tempting fate or jinxing it. The origin of the phrase can be traced back to ancient pagan beliefs where trees were considered sacred and believed to be inhabited by protective spirits or deities. In some cultures, such as the Celts, it was customary to touch or knock on wood to request favor from these spirits or deities, or to ward off evil spirits. Over time, the practice of touching wood for good luck or protection became associated with various superstitions, and the phrase "touch wood" emerged as a way to express the desire for continued good fortune or to prevent misfortune.

Idioms with the word TOUCH WOOD

• knock on wood (touch wood) The idiom "knock on wood (touch wood)" is used to imply that one hopes something will continue to be successful or lucky, and is often followed by physically knocking on or touching a piece of wood as a superstitious gesture to prevent bad luck.
• touch wood The idiom "touch wood" is used to ward off bad luck or to express a hope that something will turn out well. It is said while lightly tapping or knocking on a piece of wood.
• knock on wood, at touch wood "Knock on wood" or "touch wood" is an expression used to ward off bad luck or to bring good luck. It is used when discussing something that someone hopes will continue to be fortunate or successful and is often followed by a quick tapping on a piece of wood.