"Toi toi toi" () is an expression used in the performing arts to wish an artist success in an imminent performance. It is similar to "
break a leg
"Break a leg" is an English-language idiom used in the context of theatre or other performing arts to wish a performer "luck, good luck". An ironic or non-literal saying of uncertain origin (a dead metaphor), "break a leg" is commonly said to ac ...
" and reflects a
superstition
A superstition is any belief or practice considered by non-practitioners to be irrational or supernatural, attributed to fate or magic (supernatural), magic, perceived supernatural influence, or fear of that which is unknown. It is commonly app ...
that wishing someone "good luck" is in fact bad luck.
Origin
There are many theories as to the origin of ''Toi toi toi'' as an idiom. In folklore it was used to ward off a
spell or
hex, often accompanied by
knocking on wood or spitting. One origin theory sees "toi toi toi" as the onomatopoeic rendition of spitting three times, a
common practice in many parts of the world to ward off evil spirits. Saliva traditionally had demon-banishing powers. Another theory claims the origin to be a threefold warning of the devil (Teufel, pronounced as TOY-fell) in German (n.b. not the French "toi").
Also from
Rotwelsch ''tof'' and from
Yiddish
Yiddish, historically Judeo-German, is a West Germanic language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews. It originated in 9th-century Central Europe, and provided the nascent Ashkenazi community with a vernacular based on High German fused with ...
''tov'' ("good", derived from the Hebrew טוב and with phonetic similarities to the Old German ''tiuvel'' "Devil").
Similar expressions
An alternate operatic good luck charm originating from Italy is the phrase ''
In bocca al lupo!'' (In the mouth of the wolf) with the response ''Crepi!'' or ''Crepi il lupo!'' (May it
he wolfdie!). Amongst actors "
Break a leg
"Break a leg" is an English-language idiom used in the context of theatre or other performing arts to wish a performer "luck, good luck". An ironic or non-literal saying of uncertain origin (a dead metaphor), "break a leg" is commonly said to ac ...
" is the usual phrase, while for
professional dancers the traditional saying is ''
merde'' (French, meaning "shit"). In Spanish, the phrase is ''mucha mierda'', or "lots of shit", as in Portuguese ("muita merda").
See also
*
Knocking on wood
*
Spilling water for luck
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Toi toi toi
Theatre
Opera terminology
Stage terminology
Superstitions