Pronunciation: [ðə skˈɒtɪʃ plˈe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The Scottish play refers to the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare. The term is used by actors and theater professionals as it is considered bad luck to say the name of the play in a theater. The spelling of the word "Macbeth" is [məkˈbɛθ] in IPA phonetic transcription. The "ch" in the word is pronounced like the "ck" in "back". The stress is on the second syllable, and the "a" is pronounced like the "a" in "bat".
"The Scottish Play" is a term commonly used within the theatre industry to refer to William Shakespeare's tragic play Macbeth. This nickname has been attributed to a superstitious belief among actors that uttering the actual name of the play can bring about various forms of bad luck or disaster. It is said that saying "Macbeth" inside a theatre, particularly when not rehearsing or performing the play, can bring about a curse or other misfortunes, leading to accidents, injuries, or even death.
This superstition has its roots in the historical and supernatural elements presented in the play, such as murder, betrayal, and the involvement of witches. Consequently, to avoid invoking ill fortune, actors refer to the play indirectly using phrases like "the Scottish play" or "Mackers." If someone inadvertently says "Macbeth" during a rehearsal or performance, a remedy often involves turning around three times, spitting over their shoulder, and swearing or reciting a specific incantation to ward off the curse.
Despite the lore surrounding it, Macbeth remains one of Shakespeare's most celebrated and frequently performed works, exploring themes of ambition, guilt, and the corrupting nature of power. Therefore, the term "the Scottish play" serves as a euphemism employed within the theatrical world to maintain a sense of tradition and avoid any potential negative repercussions associated with the purported curse.
