Etymology of "Holding Thumbs"

[Lars v. Karstedt]

In German we have the expression "to press one's thumb (den Daumen
drücken)" or "to hold one's thumb (den Daumen halten)", both meaning
"good luck". In the Duden vol. 11, (Redewendungen und sprichwörtliche
Redensarten), Mannheim, 1992, it says:

"The expression is probably based on the fact that one mechanically
tightens/cramps his hand while wishing for someone to accomplish
something (e.g. in a sports competition); cf. the English expression
'keep one's fingers crossed'. Superstitious conceptions centering around
the thumb (clamping one's thumb is supposed to prevent nightmares) may
also have played a role" (my translation)

A quick theory (to be validated): There is a Dutch verb "duimen",
meaning: "to hold someone's thumb". It could have made its way South
Africa via Afrikaans.

Regards, Lars


SLA Webmaster schrieb:
> A query from a visitor to our website:
> "Could you please help direct me to the etymology for the South
> African idiom "I'm holding my thumbs for you"? It means good luck.
> It's my understanding that crossing one's fingers harkens back to
> evoking Christ's cross, as does touching wood. What is the cultural
> root for holdling one's thumbs? Thank you!" -- Dave
> 
> Can anyone help Dave?
> 
> (A similar expression exists in French: «je te tiens les pouces» means
> something akin to "I'm hoping you'll get what you want." -- Alex)
> 

-- 

Lars von Karstedt
Bredeneschredder 7
22395 Hamburg

Germany

(040) 604 54 53

lkarstedt at web.de