As a life-long performer: musician, DJ, Keynote Speaker, I've always said "break A Leg" when wishing another performer of any kind "good luck". I'm always amused that some people take it literally.
My professional dancer & actor bride Ailina NelsonĀ has always known to wish me good luck before a performance or presentation with "Break A Leg", and I love getting that encouragement, as she does from me when going on an audition.
So lets clear the air and explain the "performer's vernacular":
The phrase "break a leg," commonly used to wish performers good luck, has roots in superstition and theater tradition. Interestingly, "good luck" was historically considered bad luck to say directly before a performance. So instead, theater folk used the phrase "break a leg" as a reverse psychology way to wish each other success.
There are a few popular theories about its origin:
Theater Superstition: Saying āgood luckā was thought to tempt fate, risking that the opposite might happen. The reverse wish, ābreak a leg,ā was therefore seen as a way to ātrickā fate into allowing a smooth performance.
Applause Theory: In early theater, breaking the line of the legs (the curtains or side wings of the stage) meant a performer was called back for an encore due to high audience approval. So, ābreak a legā implied the performer would be so successful that theyād be summoned back for more applause. It also could literally mean that the performer did so many encores, they broke the curtain legs from lifting and lowering them too much.
Elizabethan Stage: Some believe the phrase could also come from Shakespearean or Elizabethan theater, where ābreaking a legā might refer to bowing or curtsying deeply, which would happen if the crowd appreciated the performance.
Personally, Ailina and I are fans of tradition #2. Over time, "break a leg" became a widely accepted part of theater vernacular, now extending beyond the stage to sports, auditions, and even job interviews as a quirky way to wish someone well. It's a compliment and a well-wish, so take it as such!Ā
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