Top 30 things that make people feel unlucky - from flat tyres to losing things
Superstitious Brits claim they fall foul of as many as 543 unlucky occurrences each year – from stepping in dog poo (25%), to always getting caught at red lights (22%), a study has found.
Other common examples of bad luck include losing their belongings, getting a flat tyre, and tripping over in public. And missing a parcel delivery, or getting caught in the rain without an umbrella, also made the top 30 list of unlucky events.
In fact, a fifth, of the 2,000 adults polled, would claim they are unlucky – with 24% having spilled food or drink down their clean clothing. And of those who have ever fallen asleep on public transport, and missed their stop, 5% blamed this on bad luck.
It also emerged that 26% have never been pooed on by a bird – however, 37% would be delighted for this to happen, if it meant good luck would follow. And 45% don't believe the phrase “bad luck comes in threes” – with one in three saying they have been unlucky in the last week alone.
And more than a fifth say they always get caught at red lights (SWNS)A spokesman for Lottoland.co.uk, which commissioned the study to mark the launch of Europe’s latest lotto game, EuroDreams, said: “It’s surprising to see so many people in the UK consider themselves unlucky. Although we’re a very pragmatic nation by nature, there certainly seems to be a fair amount of superstition still in us – especially when it comes to things like breaking mirrors, stepping over grates, or walking under ladders. Perhaps the most surprising is the sheer number of people hoping to be targeted by bird droppings in order to increase their luck. We certainly wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
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The research also found 41% believe a person makes their own luck – with breaking a mirror, walking under a ladder, and opening an umbrella inside, seen as the top things that can lead to misfortunes. These are closely followed by the old wives' tales of putting shoes on a table, Friday 13th, and crossing on the stairs.
On the flip side, finding a penny or a four-leaf clover are seen as bringing good luck – with being born in a leap year also making the list. And one in 10 believe they experience more luck during a leap year, according to the stats, from OnePoll.
The spokesman for Lottoland.co.uk added: “It’s interesting to see the leap year is still a lucky omen for so many. We’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for jackpot winners this February 29.
“And for those people who believe the leap year brings good luck all year round, we’ll keep our fingers crossed for good things in 2024.”
TOP 30 UNLUCKIEST EVENTS:
- Losing things
- Standing in dog poo
- Spilling food or drink down clean clothing
- Traffic lights always turning red as you approach them
- Getting a flat tyre
- Being splashed by a car going through a puddle, while you are walking
- Losing competitions
- Tripping over in public
- The item you really wanted on a food menu being unavailable
- Getting caught in the rain without an umbrella
- Missing a parcel delivery
- Someone else parking in a car parking space as you were driving towards it
- Getting the wrong numbers on a scratch card
- Spilling toothpaste down your clothes
- A stranger sitting next to you on public transport, when there are other free seats
- Accidentally touching wet paint
- Breaking a mirror
- Stepping on a loose paving slab, causing water to splash up
- Sitting down on a wet seat without realising
- Dropping a long-awaited meal on the floor
- Getting paper jammed in a printer
- Trying to throw something in the bin, but missing
- Stepping on chewing gum
- Receiving the incorrect order when shopping online
- Always missing public transport
- Never getting tickets for a concert or show before they sell out
- Falling down the stairs in public
- Putting socks on which have holes in
- Repeatedly burning food
- Burning yourself with hair straighteners
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