Is it wrong to say "Knock on wood"?

[mitabalon]

“Knock on wood”: This phrase is often used by one of my friends and I have been telling her that she should stop. She often does this after telling us that everything is doing well, thank God, then “Knock on wood.” I tell her, “There goes your faith … just flew out the window.” Can someone tell me how can I better tell my friend what this phrase means as a Catholic?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

“Knock on wood” is one of those phrases people use as a hedge against a bad turn of events. Sure, it can sometimes be used superstitiously, but it can also be used as a joke. For example, some people will knock on cheap furniture and say “Knock on particle board.” In any case, it is not your place to pass judgment on your friend’s faith. If the phrase annoys you, it’s fine to politely ask her to stop using it in your presence, but you should not presume to tell her she uses the phrase out of a lack of faith.