Has anyone asked you to "break a leg" before a performance? Here’s the origin of this phrase
One of the most interesting things about a language is not merely a tool for communication. It also acts as a vessel for history and culture. In the modern context, various phrases and expressions used quite often do not mean anything in a literal sense. Instead, they have fascinating backstories behind them. Break a leg is one such phrase that has an interesting connotation and many ‘origin’ theories. If you have ever been told to “break a leg” before a performance, it is intended to wishes you well (even if it does not sound like it!). Read on to know the origin and meaning behind this phrase.
What does the phrase “break a leg” mean?
The phrase “break a leg” actually is exactly the same as saying “good luck” to someone, except it has a slightly theatrical flair. No, it is not a way for someone to actually get the other person in crutches. It is often used in the context of performance or shows. For example, someone may wish a singer luck before she goes on stage by using this phrase: “I can’t wait to see your dance performance this evening- break a leg!” However, its scope is not merely limited to this context. It can also be used generally to wish someone good luck before any other activity. For instance, “Your mother told me you have a science presentation tomorrow- break a leg!” Alternatives for this phrase include: good luck, blow them away, best of luck, all the best, etc.
Where and how did this phrase originate?
There are multiple theories behind this phrase. But the most popular one among these is the theatrical theory. According to this theory, the phrase “break a leg” finds its origins in the theatre community in the United States, during the 20th century. This community had an infamous reputation for being superstitious. According to these performers, saying “good luck” could potentially lead to bad luck instead. What is one of the worst things that could happen on stage? The performer could break his/ her leg, in a literal sense. Thus, they started saying “break a leg” superstitiously, so that the opposite would happen.
Another theory takes us all the way back to Elizabethan England. Theatre was a huge part of the cultural fabric of these times, allowing people from all classes of society to socialise and have fun. Proponents of this theory claim that during plays, the audience would actually bang their chairs on the ground instead of a civil applause. If the play was exceptionally nice, the legs of these chairs would break. Thus, this theory is not related directly to the performers, but instead to the performance.
Similar to this is another theory from Greece. If the audience particularly enjoyed a play or performance, they would stomp their feet on the ground instead of clapping. Stomping too hard would sometimes lead to broken legs in the audience.