<P> An alternate operatic good luck charm, originating from Italy, is the phrase "in bocca al lupo!" ("In the mouth of the wolf") with the response "Crepi il lupo!" ("May the wolf die") (see Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Myth & Legend). </P> <P> In Australia, the term "chookas" has been used also . According to one oral tradition, one of the performers would check audience numbers . If there were not many in the seats, the performers would have bread to eat following the performance . If the theatre was full they could then have "chooks"--Australian slang for chicken--for dinner . Therefore, if it was a full house, the performer would call out "Chookas!" It is now used by performers prior to a show regardless of the number of patrons; and may be a wish for a successful turnout . </P>

Where did the term break a leg come from