Various superstitions are held in communities all around the UK, and there's one that relates to saying a certain word on the Isle of Portland.

There has been a long association between rabbits and bad luck on the island and use of the name is considered taboo.

Alternative words such as "underground mutton" or "long-eared furry things" are used instead, but why did this practice start in the first place?

Why shouldn't you say the word 'rabbit' on the Isle of Portland?

The reason behind the word 'rabbit' being considered taboo is believed to derive from quarry work that took place in Portland.

Bournemouth Echo: Rabbit burrowing was said to cause landslides in the quarry at PortlandRabbit burrowing was said to cause landslides in the quarry at Portland (Image: Canva)

Burrowing from rabbits can cause landslips in quarries, and workers would blame them for increasing the risk involved in their work.

If a rabbit was seen in a quarry, the workers would go home for the day, until the safety of the area had been assured.

Posters for the new film, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, on Portland do not use the word, to respect local folklore.

Les Ames, the former mayor of Weymouth and Portland, told BBC News in 2005: "If the word rabbit is used in company in Portland there is generally a bit of a hush.

"In the olden days when quarrying was done by hand, if one of these animals was seen in the area, the quarryman would pack up and go home for the day - until the safety of the area had been reconnoitred.

"It is an unwritten rule in Portland that you do not use the word rabbit."

The local superstition had come to national attention at that time related to the release of Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

Out of respect for local beliefs Aardman Animations changed adverts for the film to omit the word 'rabbit' and added the tagline "Something bunny is going on".