Colloquialisms

(Thank you again Merriam Webster Online Dictionary)
“a local or regional dialect expression”

I read Steph’s blog daily. And one of her latest blogs was titled “Yup. Shoulda Knocked Wood.” And I thought this was an interesting way to say “Shoulda Knocked On Wood.” But I just thought maybe it was a mistyped expression. So I made myself laugh by saying it aloud to myself: “Knocked Wood” “Knocked Wood Up”

But last night, in our hour-long phone conversation about all things other than colloquialisms, she said it verbally: “Should have knocked wood about Karl’s sleeping habits.” And since it’s now been referenced twice, I asked her. “Didn’t you mean, shoulda knocked ON wood?” And her response was no – maybe you didn’t understand the context…knock wood as in superstitious expression. Nope, I’m pretty sure I’m using it in the same context.

So I thought maybe it was a regional expression? (You know those Californians.) And then I thought, since her mother’s family was Ohioan, maybe an Ohio expression? But Steph said that she’s always heard it referenced that way. I’ve NEVER heard “knock wood”, only “knock ON wood.” Note - I found the use of this colloquialism way more amusing than Steph did. But now I’m on a mission.

So I’m taking a poll. What do you say?

“Knock Wood”
“Knock On Wood”

Because I need to know.