touchwood: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, conversational, slightly old-fashioned
Quick answer
What does “touchwood” mean?
An interjection or phrase used to express a hope that good luck will continue after mentioning something fortunate, or to ward off bad luck.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An interjection or phrase used to express a hope that good luck will continue after mentioning something fortunate, or to ward off bad luck.
It can also refer literally to the historical/folk practice of touching wood (like a tree or wooden object) to avoid tempting fate after a boast or hopeful statement. In some dialects, it can refer to tinder (e.g., rotten wood used to catch a spark).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Much more common in British English. In American English, 'knock on wood' is the predominant equivalent.
Connotations
UK: Familiar, slightly quaint superstition. US: If used, may be perceived as a Britishism.
Frequency
High frequency in UK spoken English; low frequency in US English, where 'knock on wood' is standard.
Grammar
How to Use “touchwood” in a Sentence
[Statement of good fortune], touchwood.Touchwood, [hopeful statement about the future].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in casual conversation: 'The project is on budget, touchwood.'
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Common in UK conversation after mentioning good health, luck, or success.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “touchwood”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “touchwood”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “touchwood”
- Writing as one word in formal contexts ('touchwood'). It is often styled as two words: 'touch wood'.
- Using it in written prose as if it were a standard adverb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's often just a spoken phrase. The physical act is optional and humorous.
It is conventionally written as two words ('touch wood'), especially in the UK. The one-word form is less common but appears in some dictionaries as a variant.
The origins are folkloric. One common theory links it to ancient pagan beliefs in tree spirits; touching wood was a way to thank or seek protection from them.
No, it is strictly an informal, conversational phrase and would be out of place in formal reports or academic papers.
An interjection or phrase used to express a hope that good luck will continue after mentioning something fortunate, or to ward off bad luck.
Touchwood: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʌtʃ ˈwʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʌtʃ ˈwʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “touch wood (the practice/phrase itself)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine TOUCHing a piece of WOOD for luck after saying something positive, to keep the good luck.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOOD FORTUNE IS A FRAGILE OBJECT THAT CAN BE PROTECTED BY A PHYSICAL BARRIER (WOOD).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is the closest American English equivalent to the British 'touch wood'?