Hungarian superstitions are deeply woven into the culture, often revealing surprising linguistic roots. Many of these beliefs aren’t just random quirks - they reflect historical fears, folk wisdom, and even old linguistic taboos. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing ones and how they connect to the Hungarian language.
1. Whistling Indoors: Summoning Bad Luck (and Mice?)
Hungarians believe that whistling indoors brings bad luck - or worse, invites mice into the house. The phrase “Bebizonyosodott, hogy a fütyülés egérhez vezet.” (“It’s proven that whistling leads to mice.”) is sometimes jokingly used to reinforce this superstition. Linguistically, the word “fütyülés” (whistling) doesn’t directly relate to mice, but the superstition likely stems from an old rural belief that high-pitched sounds attracted rodents.
Fütyülés
/ˈfytyjleːʃ/“Whistling”
2. Bread: Never Upside Down
Placing bread upside down on the table is considered a grave offence in Hungary. The saying “Kenyeret nem fordítunk meg!” (“We don’t turn bread over!”) reflects this belief. Historically, bread was sacred - upside-down bread symbolised disrespect or even death. The word “kenyér” (bread) itself is tied to survival, making the taboo linguistically reinforced.
Kenyér
[ˈkɛɲeːr]“Bread”
3. The Unlucky Number 6
While many cultures fear the number 13, Hungarians have a peculiar aversion to the number 6. The phrase “Hatodik emelet” (“sixth floor”) is often avoided in buildings, sometimes skipped entirely. This superstition may link to old folk beliefs where six represented incompleteness or misfortune. The word “hat” (six) doesn’t have negative connotations linguistically, but the cultural association persists.
4. Don’t Toast with Beer
Toasting with beer is a serious faux pas in Hungary. The saying “Sörrel nem koccintunk!” (“We don’t clink with beer!”) comes from a historical belief that Austrians (who drank beer) executed Hungarian revolutionaries in 1848. The linguistic reinforcement is strong - Hungarians toast with “pálinka” or wine, never beer.
Pálinka
[ˈpaːliŋkɒ]“Fruit brandy”
5. The Evil Eye and Protective Phrases
The evil eye (“gonosz szem”) is a common fear in Hungarian folklore. To ward it off, people say “Isten ments!” (“God forbid!”) or “Ne nézz így rám!” (“Don’t look at me like that!”). These phrases aren’t just superstitions - they’re linguistic shields against perceived curses.
For more on Hungarian expressions, check out our guide on Hungarian humor or how to discuss food in Hungarian.
Why Superstitions Matter in Language Learning
Understanding these superstitions isn’t just trivia - it’s key to grasping Hungarian culture and avoiding accidental offence. Many phrases and taboos are still alive in everyday speech. If you’re learning Hungarian, recognising these linguistic quirks will make your conversations more authentic.
