Extending the index finger to point something is probably the most common hand gesture. In the previous section we explained that the V sign means victory or peace. In Brazil, it could mean... um... something really rude. In the USA it is the symbol of the University of Austin in Texas and means "Hook'em Horns"; meaning stab them horns, referring to the Texas bulls. The thumbs up gesture can also create some real problems for those who count on their fingers. Flipping the Finger. The thumb between the index- and middle finger in the fist form in Russia mean the same thing as the middle finger in America, pinky finger in china mean the exact same thing as middle finger in america, The Meaning of Hand Gestures in different Countries, Putting your thumb and index finger of one hand together, Raising the index and middle fingers of a hand into a V, Raising your index and middle finger into a V with the palm inward, Ask someone to come towards you with a finger, Raising your index finger and little finger to make horns, What Are The Five Senses And What Do They Do, What are the Symptoms of a Lack of Oxygen to the Brain, How does Caffeine Affect the Nervous System, How Long Does it Take for Prednisone to Work, What Is The Normal Range Of Lymphocyte Count, Causes of Pain in Right Side of your Stomach, How Many Calories To Eat Per Day Based On Age, How Much Prednisone to Use For Sinus Infection, How to Get Rid of Fluid Retention in the Legs. Although we haven't personally had too much trouble with this one, we've got a friend who swears she supremely dissed a shopkeeper in West Africa with a thumbs up sign. And possibly spin. The two pointing fingers indicate the horns of the Devil. Be careful how you wave at a person in West Africa. On the other hand, in Chinese culture pointing is actually a gesture that signifies the number eight. The two pointing fingers indicate the horns of the Devil. And to some (mostly to older generations), two fingers held up with the palm facing out means V for victory -- hard to insult anyone with that sentiment, but you may find yourself rather misunderstood. … indicates, "F*** you! " From a 'thumbs up' to looking at your watch – here's what 6 hand gestures mean in different cultures and countries. Last on our list of hand gestures in different country is putting your fingers together. And in some countries, the number three could be signified by a gesture that looks similar to the okay sign. Traditionally, it's a way to show the number three in many Western countries, and a way to indicate the number seven in China. In Spain, North America, Ecuador, Chile, Russia and Germany this same sign but bringing the thumb to the mouth means drink because it is reminiscent of the shape of a glass. And in many African countries, you should also only point at an inanimate object and never at humans. If you want to read similar articles to The Meaning of Hand Gestures in different Countries, we recommend you visit our Family health category. Ouch. In Vietnam, crossing your fingers is seen as making reference to a woman's body. Lifting the thumb and little finger. In most countries crossing your fingers is a sign of good luck, in many countries, as it was historically a sign of protection against evil in Catholic countries. A “finger handshake”: the person catches only the fingers of the other person’s hand. Learn more. Although they basically use it when they are incredulous about something, when you are gestured in such a way it may also mean "What do you want?". This gesture was commonly used in World War II by the Allies to symbolize victory. A hand with the index and middle fingers crossed is even the logo for the UK’s National Lottery. The peace sign seems so universal to us Americans, doesn't it? It is believed that thumbs up was used in gladiator combats to express that the defeated gladiator should be saved in opposition to thumbs down which expressed the desire to execute the gladiator. Showing feet is taken as offensive in some Middle Eastern cultures. Take heed all you global … Snapping your fingers to get the attention of a waiter is okay in some parts of the world but is disrespectful and offensive in other areas of the globe. Lastly a “dead fish” corresponds to an indifferent and passive handshake. Regardless of the hand, pinky fingers mean you are a good negotiator. Previously, it had been perceived everywhere as a marginally rude gesture, though it was occasionally used to great effect in advertising (think, "Uncle Sam Wants You"). This gesture's origin is found in India to symbolize the expulsion of demons. Knowing this it is especially important for communicating in … Cross-Cultural Communication So check out our list of hand gestures around the world, and take note if you'll be heading to any of these countries soon -- it's always best to err on the side of caution and try to avoid gesturing if at all possible. In most countries it is considered insulting to ask someone to come towards you like this. For example, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is a sing to show you want a small amount of something. It’s also widely used by … It's a … with the palm facing you, in the UK, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand it is an insult meaning "f*** you". Nowadays it has several meanings around the world: In Spain and Italy this means that your partner is cheating on you. TikTok has become the new go-to hub for trends, challenges and dance crazes and it's also introduced a number of new phrases that … In the USA it can be a friendly gesture that can mean "you're cool" when doing this gesture to someone you're talking to directly and in a friendly fashion. Those of Indian heritage may point using the chin, whole hand, or thumb. This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. Also in Britain, it's obscene to stick two fingers up in a V-sign with the nails pointing outwards. In Arab countries this is also an offensive gesture and can be quite offensive. In the Philippines however, this gesture is considered offensive, as this style of beckoning is used to call dogs. In some pagan cults this is also a symbol of the God Wicca. Sometimes the hand is moved to emphasize the gesture. It's not just West Africa, though. However, the gesture made by circling thumb and forefinger, with​ the middle, ring, and pinkie fingers extended, has a couple of other meanings than the "Okey dokey" we're most familiar with. In Vietnam, it is extremely rude to cross you fingers as a hand gesture, as it is representative of female genitalia. In Vietnam, however, this is an obscene gesture, especially when done while looking at or addressing another person. In Japan, however, the okay gesture means money, which could lead to confusion if you use it to indicate everything's okay while you're in the country. In the USA, however, it simply means "come here", and has no other connotation. You think that resting your hands in your pockets seems like a chill thing to do, but in some Asian cultures, like Korea and Japan, you'd make people flip the hell out. In this case I suspect that its literally indicative on your part; "that Person", "Brian", accompanied by an index finger (or sometimes the thumb if said person is immediately to one side or behind) and that no blame is implied. Many western cultures make this gesture when wishing for good luck. In Sri Lanka and other Asian countries, the index finger is used instead, but the meaning is the same. This is considered as the symbol of the devil in many cultures. In Brazil, however, the okay symbol is the equivalent of giving someone the finger in the U.S. This gesture is bad manners all around the world. Finger-pointing definition is - the act of making explicit and often unfair accusations of blame. Pointing with index finger may be used to indicate an item or person. China, Japan, Indonesia, and Latin America. finger-pointing definition: 1. a situation in which someone is blamed for something that goes wrong: 2. a situation in which…. In the US, my Father (from his army days) said that the Index Finger and Little Finger meant "What you are saying is a lot of BullSh*t" The Fingers as horns and a downward hand movement. Flipping the finger, also known as flipping the bird, is a sign of extreme contempt. Pointing the middle finger in the air is considered a rude gesture in the U.S.; pointing the index finger means the same thing in Arab countries Hand gestures and body language mean very different things across different cultures. No, the vendor's telling you what it costs... and it has to do with the number eight (two fingers up, and ten fingers minus eight fingers is two). The thumbs up gesture is seen as offensive across large parts of the Middle East and South America, too. Italy and Spain: “Hang loose” (or the “rock on” sign) These gestures, generally positive and “cool” in … A pointing index finger raised upwards is used in Islam as an affirming gesture of Tawhid though it has been also used in more political contexts, particularly by groups more extremist in ideology such as ISIS. Looking at your wristwatch during a conversation is considered to be rude if done during a conversation, as it may be considered a sign of boredom, especially in Middle Easter countries, where the meaning of this hand gesture signifies being in a hurry or having to go somewhere. Common body language and gestures in the United States such as eye contact, the OK sign and the hand thrust, have widely different meanings in various parts of the world. The two fingers held aloft in a V are fine provided your palm is facing out, but in some countries -- namely, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom -- it's an insult of the first order if you make the same gesture but with your palm facing inward. It can also be used to seal a promise, like when you vow to keep a secret. ~ Western cultures consider finger-pointing to be one of the most obscene hand gestures. Making a circle with your thumb and your index finger … After asking around a bit, we learned that in some parts of the world, it means to sit on the thumb. Cultural Mistakes to Avoid Traveling Abroad, Cultural Tips for Business Trips to the Philippines, Know Before You Go: Russian Body Language Etiquette, How to Behave When Visiting the Temples in Thailand, Don't Make These Cultural Mistakes When Doing Business in Singapore, Buddhist Temple Etiquette for Tourists: Dos and Don'ts, A Guide to Lantau Island, Hong Kong's Biggest Island, How to Stay Safe While Traveling in China, Is it Safe to Travel to Kashmir? Its meaning is"relax". This gesture called a shaka sign is typical in Hawaii and in places … For fans of heavy metal it means "What's up?". This gesture called a shaka sign is typical in Hawaii and in places where there's a surf and beach culture. However, in China it can also mean number six. (American culture, for instance, may frown upon it as a point of manners, but it's absolutely more acceptable than, say, giving someone the finger.) Kathleen Crislip is a freelance writer who has covered backpack travel adventures for students and other young travelers. If you do this sign upside down, i.e. This looks like an 'OK' sign, but not in Brazil. It means something like “come here.”. The two index fingers together emoji, which started on TikTok, has now been turned into a meme and is taking over Twitter. For example, in some countries, pointing a finger at a person is considered an insult, which is why in the U.S. we tell children “don’t point.” While in Italy pointing is used to indicate a direction. While the origins of the action are unclear, it appears the symbol is an attempt to create a crude "o" and "k" (the "o" is certainly clear, though not so much the "k"). Brazil: A good luck charm to ward off the evil eye and jealousy. Where the middle finger is seen as a rude gesture, using it to point can be extremely off-putting and should be avoided. However, pointing a finger has a meaning in different countries too. However, this gesture does not mean the same thing everywhere. (That would be an insult.) For more extended information, take a look at our article on the meaning of two fingers. If in doubt, motion with your head to point at something. Nada. However, there are other meanings to this hand gesture in different countries. If you're in the habit of throwing a thumbs up at people to express your happiness, try to quash it for any trips to the regions mentioned above. And if you do manage to slip up and offend someone, a simple apology and explanation that you didn't know it was offensive are often all it takes to make amends. On the other hand, in Arab countries, it means to take your time. Turkey: An obscene gesture similar to the middle finger, and is also used to show disagreement or to deny a request. What You Need to Know, Don't Make These Etiquette Mistakes in India, Hand Gestures in the World With More Than One Meaning. What is considered polite in one culture may be construed as rude in another. William Timmons / former Peace Corp volunteer / Niger. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain. Most cultures find pointing rude altogether, but others are more tolerant of its use. Peace Sign, V for Victory, or Fighting Words and Hideous Insult. From there, you're on your own -- just don't feel offended by the gesture. Zilch. Loser Sign - or the Number Eight in Chinese? In the Middle East it is better to avoid using this gesture because it means that you are telling the person you are doing it to stick it where the sun doesn't shine. Should you be lucky enough to travel to China, know that the vendor at that street stall is not telling you that you're a loser for playing it safe with the onion pancakes (what, the skewered thing with several legs doesn't seem appealing?). Nothing." Well, what's widely accepted for us can be seen as offensive in other countries around the world, so this is yet another gesture to use with caution. Some cultures take pointing fingers as insulting too. The corona is carried out by pointing the index and pinkie finger upwards and the two middle fingers and thumb curled towards the palm. Body language and gestures that we use every day can have very opposing meanings in different countries. Although sometimes hard to avoid, doing it is very bad manners. In America, you might respond to such a question by flashing the "A-OK" sign, created by touching your forefinger to your thumb and pointing the remaining three fingers straight up. In other words, you don't order two beers in an English pub by holding up two fingers with your palm facing you unless you want to get in a bit of a brawl. Don’t try to … This gesture has survived many years and is now used in most western countries where thumbs up means we are stating that everything is okay. Over the early … To point your open hand & outstretched arm toward someone, (as if to say halt! ) This gesture first got this meaning in the UK, is also known as the "two-fingered salute" and has been widely used against authority. ~ This could also mean placing a blame on someone. Some cultures take snapping fingers to get the attention of a waiter as alright whereas some take it as disrespect and very offensive. In the Philippines this gesture is liable to arrest and is used to call dogs and prostitutes. Raising the middle finger up facing another is a rude gesture in any other countries. In the Middle East and Far East use the index and middle fingers together or the whole hand to point something out. The finger is at one end of the hand, and so does not disturb the use of the index finger or the whole palm. People and their cultures interpret all these ways to give a handshake in different ways. The pointed finger is a symbol used in alchemy, and many classic paintings, as well as being used on old gravestones.It represent the person's relationship with the spiritual world - in a sense where they are [or were if they are dead] on the spiritual path.In its simplest interpretation, which we will take first:. However, crossing your fingers can also signify a white lie, especially when trying to hide the hand this means that you are lying during a conversation. In Germany and Hungary, the upright thumb is used to represent the number 1; however, it represents the number 5 in Japan. Again, better off with the enthusiastic smile to indicate that all is well. Pointing Finger: Often a Rude Gesture in Any Country or Culture. Which countries find it most offensive? This symbol's original meaning was a-OK and NASA was one of the first to use it to describe that everything has gone to plan. Over the early 2000's, a pointing finger came to be an affectionate gesture in the USA: sort of a, "Yeah, you, you're cool." In Egypt it means that you won't take long to do something. America: The thumb between the index and middle fingers represents the nose stolen from a kid’s face in the “I’ve Got Your Nose” game. While in many cultures pointing at someone is considered a bit rude, it's certainly not always considered an obscenity. Pointing fingers is a universal gesture that is negative … For this reason, this oneHOWTO article will explain what some of these hand gestures mean. Be careful using it abroad, though: it's still not really polite to older generations, and it's not polite, at all, to anyone in the Middle and the Far East (use an open hand to point when you're in that neighborhood). Especially if it's accompanied by a genuine smile. Touchiness and physical affection are not common in Chinese culture. "Pointing the finger" is an idiom which usually means blaming someone for something, (also "the finger of blame"). It's seen as a highly offensive gesture, and should definitely be avoided. ~ Pointing fingers normally means indicating some person/object. We can make countless gestures using our fingers which, depending on the country we come from, can have a different meaning in another. Getting touchy. Across many cultures, this finger has no cultural or religious meaning. But watch out! This gesture is made by bringing the fingertips of your hand all close together, with … This gesture has evolved to mean perfect, but in some countries it has completely different meanings: In Germany and Brazil it is a very obscene gesture, in Japan it means money and in France it usually means zero or useless. Middle Finger. In Japan, pointing is done with the fingers together and the palm facing upwards; in Germany, with the little finger only. It helps to know what these gestures mean so as to not surprise anyone by using them in another country. The corona is a hand gesture that is carried out by pointing the index and pinkie finger upwards and the two middle fingers and thumb curled towards the palm. The Seashell. Hand gestures and body gestures can have meanings in other countries and cultures that are not what you think they are -- for instance, an "OK" sign in the United States is a circle made with the thumb and forefinger; in parts of Europe, it could mean that the person to whom you're making the gesture is a big fat zero. Even babies point their fingers at objects they want. Bottom line: Don't worry about accidentally insulting your hosts in a foreign country with some inadvertent rudeness. Meanwhile, in Turkey it is a positive sign meaning everything is well or that something is pretty. 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