One in five Brits consider themselves unlucky, according to research
And the most unfortunate things to befall them include losing belongings, standing in dog poo, or spilling food down clean clothing.
One in five Brits consider themselves unlucky, according to research. A poll, of 2,000 adults, found an unfortunate quarter have stood in dog poo, while 24 percent have spilled food down a clean set of clothes, and 22 percent always get stuck at red lights.
Being splashed by a car going through a puddle, losing competitions, and missing a parcel delivery are other things that make people feel unlucky. A handful (five percent) even blame bad luck for missing their stop on public transport, after falling asleep.
And while 26 percent have never been pooed on by a bird – 37 percent would be delighted for this to happen, if it means good luck will follow.
However, 45 percent don’t believe the phrase “bad luck comes in threes” – with the average adult experiencing a whopping 543 unfortunate events each year. And a third have been unlucky in the last week alone.
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.”
The research also found 41 percent 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 into the bin, but missing
- Stepping on chewing gum
- Receiving the incorrect order when online shopping
- 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