Say “touch wood” and literally touch wood after saying something unlucky to avoid bad luck

Mei Lin: Wah, traffic was so smooth today. I reached early sia—
touch wood ✊🪵
Okay, done.

Daniel: You literally touched the table again? Mei Lin, this is IKEA wood laminate, you know.

Mei Lin: Still counts. Wood is wood. Better safe than sorry.

Daniel: You say that every time something good happens. One day your arm will be permanently attached to a chair.

Mei Lin: Laugh all you want. Last time I didn’t say “touch wood” after bragging about my phone never dropping. That same night—boom—cracked screen.

Daniel: Or… gravity happened?

Mei Lin: You very funny ah. Coincidence meh? My mum always says don’t tempt fate.

Daniel: That’s exactly the point—coincidence. You remember the times it goes wrong and forget the hundred times nothing happens. It’s confirmation bias.

Mei Lin: Aiyo, you and your big science words. But explain this then—my aunt always says “touch wood” when talking about illness. She’s healthy until now.

Daniel: And millions of people who don’t touch wood are also healthy. If touching wood really worked, hospitals in Singapore would be full of wooden furniture, not doctors.

Mei Lin: Maybe doctors should try touching wood more often. Cheaper also.

Daniel: MOH budget problem solved—everyone just knock on wood before surgery.

Mei Lin: Don’t like that lah. It’s not about science only. It’s respect for tradition. My grandmother did it, my parents did it. It feels wrong not to.

Daniel: I get that. Rituals can feel comforting. Psychologically, it gives you a sense of control. But that doesn’t mean it actually changes reality.

Mei Lin: Comfort is important what. Life already stressful enough in Singapore—work, MRT breakdowns, ERP. If touching wood gives peace of mind, why not?

Daniel: True. As long as you know it’s emotional comfort, not a magical shield. Problem comes when people rely on superstition instead of real action.

Mei Lin: Like what?

Daniel: Like someone saying “touch wood” instead of going for a medical checkup. Or avoiding planning because they’re scared to “jinx” things.

Mei Lin: Okay lah, that one I agree. I still go doctor. I just… also touch wood.

Daniel: So you’re hedging your bets—science and superstition.

Mei Lin: Exactly. Diversify risk. Singaporean mindset.

Daniel: That’s actually the most logical explanation you’ve given so far.

Mei Lin: See? Maybe superstition makes you smarter.

Daniel: Or maybe you’re just good at arguing.

Mei Lin: Touch wood, don’t say later I become lawyer.

Daniel: Too late. You already knocking on the coffee table.

Mei Lin: Eh Daniel… you haven’t fallen sick in years right?

Daniel: Yeah, thankfully.

Mei Lin: Just saying only ah—
touch wood

Daniel: …
sighs
Fine. For friendship harmony.

(Daniel lightly taps the table.)

Mei Lin: SEE. Deep down you believe.

Daniel: No. Deep down I believe in keeping my coffee time peaceful.

Mei Lin: Same thing lah.

Daniel: Touch wood you never change.

Mei Lin: Eh, you said it yourself! Touch wood properly!

(Both laugh.)