In bocca la lupo is an expression that divides Italy in a half. It is used by everyone, everywhere and at any time, yet some believe that saying it brings misfortune on the person to whom we say it, unless a specific answer is given. We’re complicated people, we Italians, especially when it comes to bad omens and scaramanzia. 

But one thing at a time, so let us start from its meaning. 

In bocca la lupo means, literally, “in a wolf’s mouth,” which we could easily associate with the idea of being eaten alive by the voracious, furry beast. But of course, we’d never wish  anyone to be devoured by a wild animal, that is, unless they insulted our mother, stole our boyfriend (or girlfriend) or said our soccer national team sucks.