LL-L "Etymology" 2002.07.13 (05) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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 L O W L A N D S - L * 13.JUL.2002 (05) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
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From: kcaldwell31 at comcast.net
Subject: LL-L "Etymology" 2002.07.13 (04) [E/LS]

> From: Holger Weigelt <platt at HOLGER-WEIGELT.DE>
> Subject: LL-L "Body parts" 2002.07.08 (05) [E]
>
> In German we often use the phrase "Hals- und Beinbruch" (neck- and
leg-
> [or
> bone]-fracture)to wish somebody "good luck". If You ask people about
the
> origin they'll mostly tell You it was something like an archaic trial
to
> trick out evil spirits by saying something contrary to what You mean.
> But the truth is: its derived from the Yiddish "haslach ben broch"
(luck
> and blessing).
>
> Kind regards
> Holger

Hmm, I wonder if this could be the origin of the phrase "break a leg"
used to wish stage actors good luck in their performance, i.e., a
translation of a bilingual Yiddish/German pun.

Kevin Caldwell

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