Is It Polite to Say “Break a Leg”?

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Yes, in certain contexts, it is considered polite to say “break a leg”. It is a phrase that is commonly used in the performing arts to wish someone good luck before a performance.

Is It Polite to Say "Break a Leg"

Origins of the Phrase “Break a Leg”

The origins of the phrase “break a leg” are somewhat unclear. There are several theories about where the phrase came from, but none have been definitively proven.

One theory is that the phrase originated in ancient Greece, where it was believed that wishing someone good luck would actually bring them bad luck. To avoid this, people would instead wish each other the opposite, such as “may you break a leg”.

Another theory is that the phrase originated in the theater. In the early days of theater, audiences would throw coins onto the stage as a way of showing their appreciation for a good performance. Actors would then have to “break a leg” to get to the coins.

When to Use “Break a Leg”

While “break a leg” is generally considered to be a polite thing to say in the performing arts, it is important to use the phrase appropriately. Some guidelines to keep in mind include:

  • Only use the phrase in the context of a performance or audition.
  • Only use the phrase with people you know well and who are comfortable with the phrase.
  • Always follow up with a more traditional expression of good luck, such as “I hope it goes well” or “knock them dead”.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “break a leg” is a phrase that is considered polite in certain contexts, such as the performing arts. While the origins of the phrase are unclear, it has become a common way to wish someone good luck before a performance. It is important to use the phrase appropriately and only with people who are comfortable with it.

FAQs

  1. Is it ever inappropriate to say “break a leg”?
  • Yes, it would be inappropriate to say “break a leg” in any context other than the performing arts.
  1. Can “break a leg” be used in other languages?
  • Yes, there are equivalent phrases in other languages, such as “merde” in French and “toi toi toi” in German.
  1. Is “break a leg” only used in theater or can it be used in other performing arts?
  • “Break a leg” can be used in any performing art, such as music, dance, or comedy.
  1. What should you say if you don’t feel comfortable saying “break a leg”?
  • If you don’t feel comfortable saying “break a leg”, you could simply say “good luck” or “break a leg” instead.
  1. Is it necessary to follow up with a traditional expression of good luck after saying “break a leg”?
  • Yes, it is considered polite to follow up with a traditional expression of good luck after saying “break a leg”.
Dr. James Morrison
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Dr. James Morrison
Professor Emeritus of Educational Leadership University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at Camford Publishing
Founder of On the Horizon (camford publishing)and The Technology Source, and professor of education at North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Dr. Morrison is author and co-author of over 200 publications focusing on educational planning and using information technology tools.Dr. Morrison has delivered numerous conference presentations and workshops for associations such as EDUCAUSE, AAHE, the College Board and others.He has served as a planning consultant to a number of colleges, universities, university systems, community colleges, educational agencies and public agencies such as the U.S. Department of Labor, and Department of the Army.His consulting activities focus on assisting organizations to integrate information technology tools in teaching and management.

The title of his Speech is “The Future of Distance Learning.” Professor Morrison will describe the driving forces that will affect education and distance learning in this decade and will focus on the implications of these forces for education and distance learning
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