rabbit's foot
C1informal
Definition
Meaning
The preserved foot of a rabbit, traditionally carried as a charm believed to bring good luck.
Any object carried superstitiously for luck; a general metaphor for luck or a fortunate charm.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This term is inherently tied to superstition and folklore. It is countable ('a rabbit's foot', 'two rabbit's feet' is less common). The belief stems from African-American folk magic traditions in the Southern United States.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept and object are more culturally embedded and frequently referenced in American English due to its origins in US folklore. In British English, it is understood but less culturally prevalent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes superstition and folklore. In American English, it has stronger historical/cultural roots. In modern, especially urban British contexts, it may be seen as a quaint or slightly exotic Americanism.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] carries a rabbit's foot for luck.[Subject] considers/regards the rabbit's foot as a lucky charm.[Subject] gave [Recipient] a rabbit's foot.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's always got a rabbit's foot in his pocket (meaning: he's superstitious).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May be used metaphorically: 'Our new marketing plan is our rabbit's foot for this quarter.'
Academic
Used in anthropology, folklore, and cultural studies to discuss superstitions and folk beliefs.
Everyday
Used conversationally to discuss luck and superstition: 'I never travel without my rabbit's foot.'
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He rabbit's-footed his way through the exam, clutching the charm tightly.
American English
- She's always rabbit's-footing before a big game, for luck.
adverb
British English
- He played rabbit's-footedly, hoping luck would see him through.
American English
- She approached the interview rabbit's-footly, her charm in her purse.
adjective
British English
- He had a rabbit's-foot mentality, relying on superstition over skill.
American English
- The team's rabbit's-foot ritual seemed to work again this season.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is my rabbit's foot. It brings me luck.
- He carries a little rabbit's foot on his keychain for good luck.
- Despite mocking superstitions, she secretly kept a rabbit's foot in her desk drawer during exams.
- The pitcher's reliance on his rabbit's foot talisman was as much a part of his pre-game routine as his warm-up throws.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a RABBIT with one FOOT, hopping luckily away from danger. The foot it left behind became the lucky charm.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUCK IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT THAT CAN BE CARRIED AND OWNED.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translations like 'лапка кролика' without the cultural context of a charm. The Russian concept 'талисман на удачу' (talisman for luck) captures the meaning better than a purely zoological term.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect plural: 'rabbits' feet' (correct but less common) vs. 'rabbit's feet' (more common as a pluralized compound). Confusing it with 'rabbit foot' (the actual body part, not the charm).
Practice
Quiz
In which cultural context did the 'rabbit's foot' as a luck charm primarily originate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, it's a compound noun. Informally, it can be adapted into other parts of speech (e.g., 'to rabbit's-foot'), but this is non-standard and very rare.
The belief originates in African-American folk magic (Hoodoo), where the rabbit, a trickster figure adept at escaping danger, was seen as inherently lucky. Its foot, a powerful part, was believed to transfer that luck.
While generally seen as a harmless superstition, some may object on animal welfare grounds. Culturally, it is not considered offensive in mainstream American or British contexts, but its origins should be respectfully acknowledged.
Both are used. 'Rabbit's foot' (treating 'rabbit's' as a possessive modifier) is the most common singular form. 'Rabbits' foot' (treating 'rabbits' as an attributive noun) is also acceptable, especially in more formal descriptions, but less frequent.