toi, toi, toi

Etymology
From, which see for more.

Usage notes
This expression may not be readily understood outside the context of the opera, theatre or music.

Translations

 * German:
 * Turkish: kırk bir kere maşallah, nazar değmesin

Etymology
Attested since the 19th century. Spread more generally through various songs of the 1920s and 1930s. Widely considered for spitting. Spitting out three times is a superstitious act that remains common in several European as well as non-European cultures. In polite circles this was considered rude and hence replaced with the onomatopoeia. Compare also the idea of, the equivalent of which in German-speaking Europe is to knock on wood three times.

It is possible, though unprovable, that the specific form of the onomatopoeia might have been reinforced by the word (“devil”, with the superstitious idea that saying something negative will have a positive effect, compare ) or by.

Interjection

 * 1)  good luck;
 * 2)  knock on wood;
 * 1)  knock on wood;
 * 1)  knock on wood;
 * 1)  knock on wood;
 * 1)  knock on wood;
 * 1)  knock on wood;