Is the middle finger bad in other countries. It is typically the longest digit.

Is the middle finger bad in other countries An appellate court in Hartford, Connecticut ruled in 1976 that gesturing with the middle finger was offensive, but not obscene, after a police officer charged a 16-year-old with making an obscene gesture when the student gave the officer the middle finger. Crossing the Index and Middle Fingers. Using the middle finger as a crass reference to sex would likely be seen as vulgar and embarrassing. For Americans, that same tradition continues, just without the pointer finger and only the middle finger. Advertisement However, in some countries, it is regarded as a punishable non The fact is that in prison culture, the "goat" is used as a threat to "gouge out the eyes" of an opponent. com Aug 21, 2023 · In some Middle Eastern countries, the "A-OK" is the symbol for the "evil eye" [sources: Busch, Kruschewsky]. I actually purposely learned to use U with both index and middle finger. In China, the middle finger has a different connotation than in Western cultures. Forearm jerk. For example, in some Latin American countries, extending the thumb between the index and middle fingers (known as "making the fig") is used as an equivalent offensive gesture. They used the gesture not only as an insult but as a sign of liberation and non-conformity. In Italy, Spain, and some Latin American countries, the "rock on" or "hook 'em, horns" symbol is a way to call someone's wife a whore. The "okay" gesture is Brazil's version of the middle finger, as Richard Nixon once embarrassingly discovered. egghead takes you on a journey through h As I understand it, it symbolizes the act of fucking. In fact, that’s pretty common. Aug 27, 2024 · Moving to the Middle East, the ‘Fig’ gesture, made by placing the thumb between the index and middle fingers in a fist, has multiple layers of meaning. Many times, we tend to use our hands to explain our needs and thoughts. The other examples Robbins cites are less clear. "Unfortunately, in Iran and neighboring countries like Afghanistan, the thumbs-up is equivalent to the middle finger!" explains Dana Hooshmand, an author for Discover Discomfort , a language- and Mar 24, 2015 · 6. In Turkey and some other Middle Eastern cultures, it’s regarded as a very offensive gesture. Churchi For example, in countries like Japan, where gestures are highly symbolic, the middle finger gesture is not commonly used and is considered rude and offensive. ” In other countries, however, it’s known as “the dog call” and should not be used to summon humans. The middle finger, long finger, second finger, third finger, toll finger or tall man is the third digit of the human hand, located between the index finger and the ring finger. Jul 21, 2020 · The middle finger in the US and some other countries is a well known and commonly used (amongst some) obscene gesture meant as a pro-verb meant to silently replace the verb-like, action phrase, “GO FORNICATE YOURSELF!!” It is synonymous to placing the thumb between the middle and the ring finger in some countries. People here (and many other places) usually give the middle finger to their mates and on the sly like rubbing their face with it until their mate notices it whilst other people can't. After the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 where English and Welsh longbowmen turned literally the entire French nobility into human-sized pincushions, the French began cutting off the middle and index fingers of any longbowman they captured so they could never draw back a May 24, 2023 · Although this is often not known even in the US, in a few English-speaking countries such as the UK you need to make sure that your palm is facing the other person when you use your index finger and middle finger to mean “two”, as the other way around is almost as bad as the middle finger below. 6 days ago · In many Western countries, holding up the index finger signifies "number one" or "first place. It could be considered the opposite movement of the traditional middle finger gesture, but it serves the same purpose and meaning. It is important to understand the cultural significance of this gesture in… What is the rude finger in different countries? “Unfortunately, in Iran and neighboring countries like Afghanistan, the thumbs-up is equivalent to the middle finger!” explains Dana Hooshmand, an author for Discover Discomfort, a language- and culture learning resource. S. Feb 6, 2012 · The middle finger, extended with the other fingers held beneath the thumb, is thus documented to have expressed insult and belittlement for more than two millennia. Using hand gestures in a foreign country can be tricky. In other words, the hand gesture meaning is their mother is promiscuous. In America, the middle finger is the profane one; in Iran, it's the thumb. Middle Finger (Photo grabbed from sfweekly. This gesture is equivalent to showing the middle finger, and as it’s used so often in the West, it’s easy to get it wrong. Oct 14, 2024 · The one-finger salute, or the middle finger, is an insulting gesture that raises the middle finger to show disapproval. When you show this gesture to a man, it means that you're implying their wife is cheating on them. Just because everyone is using it doesn’t mean you should do the same; it could get you into serious trouble. It's important to be aware of local customs and laws when traveling, as gestures that may be seen as minor The middle finger, long finger, second finger, [1] [2] third finger, [3] toll finger or tall man is the third digit of the human hand, located between the index finger and the ring finger. It’s normally done in the middle of a heated Aug 22, 2017 · Best Loans for Bad Credit. The middle finger remains a potent symbol of irreverence and disrespect. The same hand gestures could mean different things in other countries. On one hand, they called it the “digitus impudicus" - or the offensive, indecent finger. See full list on rd. Another positive sign in the West that has a negative meaning in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries is the OK sign, which denotes the evil eye. " Certain hand gestures that are perfectly fine in the UK and other countries around the world may be considered rude in America. It will not get you a Oct 4, 2022 · Is the middle finger offensive in Japan? It is particularly rude in China, Japan and Indonesia. It's worse when the backs of the fingers are shown. It gained popularity during World War II as a sign of victory and was later adopted by the counterculture movement of the 1960s as a symbol of peace. Dec 14, 2011 · The middle finger is one of our species' oldest and most ubiquitous insulting gestures. It is also used to depict a satanic salute as This gesture involves extending the middle finger while keeping the other fingers folded down, typically in an upward direction. According to Professor Mehrabian "communication is only 7% verbal”. In the United States and many other Western countries, crossing your fingers is a common gesture for good luck. parts of West Africa the thumbs up is as rude as the middle finger is in the UK. In contrast, in some Middle Eastern cultures, the gesture is not as taboo and may be used in a more casual or light-hearted manner. We mean to say one thing, but the locals understood it to be something else. When someone extends their middle finger, it carries a strong negative connotation and is intended to convey disrespect, disdain, or anger towards the recipient. The middle finger has been involved in judicial hearings. The Horns - A clasped hand held vertically with index finger and pinky extended. However, this is one of the most versatile signs around the world. The symbolic meaning behind the middle finger gesture is primarily associated with expressing contempt, defiance, or extreme anger towards someone or something. My host father sometimes does this on the way to school, while calling out “himar,”or “donkey,” to people who cut him off. Mar 30, 2009 · In summary, this person sees people pointing with their middle finger quite often, and finds it conspicuous. So the middle finger This clearly indicates that there was one finger Martial regarded as more obscene than the others. . approval, whereas in the Middle East it's like giving the middle finger. In some European and Middle Eastern countries, it is customary to show the middle finger. For example, the thumbs-up sign is the equivalent of the middle finger in countries like Russia, Greece, the Middle East, Latin America, and parts of Africa. Apr 12, 2023 · Middle Eastern Cultures: The thumb signal is considered offensive and rude in some Middle Eastern countries, such as Iran and Iraq. Giving a thumbs up to an Iranian means the same as showing a middle finger to an American. Some say it's because an extended middle finger looks like a penis and testicles. 31 Sep 30, 2024 · Other rock stars, including members of punk bands, also embraced the middle finger as a way to express their disdain for societal norms and rigid expectations. [47] The Fig/El Corte - A clasped hand with thumb sticking out between index and middle fingers. Do you know? The code of crossing the middle and index fingers is a sign that someone is saying something. Dec 9, 2024 · It turns out that some hand gestures mean very different things in other countries - here's the ones to avoid. Luckily body language can help us communicate when words fail to do so. Because Americans simplify everything. When or where to use: You can use this gesture in different situations, such as when you’re driving and a crazy driver does something dangerous near you Jan 1, 2025 · The ancient Romans had an interesting relationship with the raised middle finger. Your facial expressions may also help to make them more offensive. The same gesture can mean something quite nasty and disrespectful to a person from a different cultural background. This goes beyond 'not being polite' and, besides making the person you are giving the middle finger to feel very bad, it reflects poorly on you. Jan 10, 2025 · Like in the west, showing the middle finger in Japan comes with a subtext of anger, contempt, and even hate, making it a powerful statement in the context of the country’s social mores. The palm in two fingered V means f*ck off [or similar]. Beside it encourages bad culture in countries where tipping isn't expected, for example they would treat foreigners better than locals, or give bad service if you don't tip. May 25, 2022 · The middle finger, the V sign, and snapping your fingers are all, in their own right, obscene gestures to make. Offensive in: Vietnam. Giving the middle finger, for instance, is one of the most popular yet obscene gestures. Oct 18, 2023 · Generally, extending the middle and index finger together is known as the “peace sign,” and it’s considered a friendly gesture in the United States and many other countries. The Fighting Finger: Why the Middle Finger Gesture Is Alternatively, perhaps no effect was observed for the Middle-Finger because the word-stem completion task only detects associations between emblematic gestures and their labels—the Peace gesture is referred to with the label “peace”. Aug 11, 2024 · The middle finger has been used as an insult for millennia. Really the only time you definitely should use u with index is for "ui" "iu" "uk" and "ku" bigrams. The sign has a similarly pejorative meaning in parts of West Africa, South America, Iran and Sardinia, according to Roger E. In countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of Greece, it is seen very differently. In Japan, the middle finger is seen as much more serious than its Western equivalent, signifying strong deviance from society’s norms. The middle finger. Once upon a time, we were watching a movie and saw a character talking something while crossing the index and middle fingers. But as it turns out, not all hand signals are created equal. Nov 22, 2015 · These are eight common signs and gestures that are considered offensive by some people in some countries around the Middle East due to different cultural backgrounds within the region, even though they have completely innocent meanings in other places. This gesture is extremely rude and disrespectful, and can lead to serious confrontations, especially in professional settings. Its history, though, is complicated. The finger extended towards another person symbolizes criticism or frustration. Some may feel so, but other can be insulted since the gesture basically implies that they are doing low-end job and are not paid properly (as in the US). In the United States and many other Western countries, giving a thumbs-up is generally considered a positive gesture. In the United Kingdom and Australia, this gesture is called “the five fathers” because of its similarity to a hand with all fingers extended. It's considered a rude hand gesture in Arabic countries and some Caribbean nations. In Vietnam, however How Do We Use The Middle Finger Today Everyday Situations. Put your middle finger up, facing whoever you want to show it to. However, Romans also used images of male genitalia to ward off evil. More often than not, people give someone the middle finger to disrespect or insult them—it’s a hostile gesture. Oct 13, 2018 · The middle finger crosses over the index finger or index finger crosses over the middle finger (cross fingers) with other fingers close on the palm: porno gestures; Crossed arms: a sign of respect. They think it has a bad meaning only in western countries, and that the "OK" sign is also rude in Germany. While we are in the topic, the "O. Five fathers. Aug 1, 2022 · Other countries have their own equivalents. While visiting a new city or country, it is important to Jan 11, 2020 · Although sometimes hard to avoid, doing it is very bad manners. 1417 II. Sep 3, 2024 · In certain contexts, a middle finger gesture can serve as a political statement or express clear anger or frustration. Advertisement However, in some countries, it is regarded as a punishable non Aug 16, 2019 · Meaning: “Middle finger” How to do: You know this one! It’s one of the most offensive finger gestures in Spain. 7. In the USA it can be a friendly gesture that can mean “you’re cool” when doing this gesture Aug 15, 2006 · This is done by using the same finger display but holding our palm side ways and making rapid back and forth movements in the air with it. 4. That means that the 93% of our communication (non-verbal) works unconsciously! So, this is where it becomes important to pay attention to our hands, as this just might save us a world of pain and I thought it was a derivative of the index and middle finger gesture that fills the same niche in the U. In some Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries, however, it is considered rude or offensive. Jul 26, 2023 · Understand the Middle Finger Gesture: A Chinese Perspective! The middle finger is a universally recognized gesture of contempt, but its meaning can vary across cultures. Sep 11, 2023 · However, in certain countries like the United Kingdom, if the palm is facing inward, it can be interpreted as an offensive gesture similar to giving the middle finger. Indonesia: an offensive signal. The middle finger gesture has been around for centuries and its meaning has changed depending on the culture and context in which it is used. In words like "Number", "Minimum", and "Humble" it would actually be a lot more beneficial to type U with your middle finger. Feb 3, 2023 · The symbol denoted a "V" for victory. Jul 15, 2024 · “In some Middle Eastern countries, for example, a thumbs up is considered quite rude, akin to showing someone the middle finger in the US,” explains Salvador Ordorica, CEO and founder of The However, in some Middle Eastern countries, including Iran and Iraq, this gesture is very offensive. Learn 13 examples of good and bad manners around the world. USA: the thumb between the index and middle fingers represents the nose of a child’s face in the game “I caught your nose”. If you’re from the U. Jan 22, 2024 · Naughty Grecians likely developed the phallic gesture around 2,500 years ago to offend each other. The Middle-Finger gesture is obviously not labeled “penis”, so this could explain the difference. In fact, some innocent hand signals might come off as Jan 22, 2024 · Naughty Grecians likely developed the phallic gesture around 2,500 years ago to offend each other. Just use a loose flat hand with fingers upwards. don't even think twice about doing are considered rude in other countries and cultures. Sep 23, 2024 · The outstretched middle finger is not known everywhere in the world, or at least it wasn't in the past, writes Krüger. Whether encountered in heated traffic disputes or during contentious interactions, the gesture is employed to express strong disapproval or frustration, transcending cultural boundaries. And while some are very obviously derogatory *the middle finger*, there are some you may use without even May 13, 2015 · In Iran, Greece, Russia, Sardinia, and parts of West Africa the thumbs up is as rude as the middle finger is in the UK. However, pointing a finger has a meaning in different countries too. In various parts of the world, the middle finger has become a symbol of disdain in everyday scenarios. Oct 12, 2022 · Where: Russia, Middle East, Greece, Latin America and Western Africa. It's a crude gesture used by cat-callers that conveys some Jun 20, 2022 · As we mentioned in our Non-verbal communication article, communication is as much about nonverbal cues as it is about talking. Brazil: a good luck charm to take away the evil eye and jealousy. For the insult the middle finger stands for we prefer the (probably imported from Italy) gesture in which you Jun 6, 2024 · 6. Jul 15, 2023 · Understanding the Middle Finger Gesture. Jan 7, 2014 · 1. Jul 29, 2022 · On the other hand, while in the United States, a thumbs-up gesture is a sign of approval, in several countries in West Africa and the Middle East, a thumbs-up has a negative connotation. Robbins insists that Caligula would offer his middle finger for subjects to kiss instead of his hand, but the source for this story (Suetonius, 12 Caesars) merely says: Jan 1, 2025 · The ancient Romans had an interesting relationship with the raised middle finger. However, this gesture is very offensive in most Western countries and is considered rude in many other countries, especially when taken out of context. May 7, 2023 · In other countries it simply means nothing at all! The Five Fathers. Arab and Caribbean countries see the action of pointing your right index finger and the grouped finger tips of your left hand as a way of saying, “you have five fathers. Dec 3, 2024 · In the U. 1413 B. Horn Sign (Index and Pinky Fingers Raised, Other Fingers Folded): This is considered offensive in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Brazil. And, in some countries it symbolizes lady parts. They’re likely angry or frustrated by them. However, in the Middle East, parts of Europe, Russia and Latin America it is insulting and means ‘up yours’. The Middle Finger in Germany. "Thumbs up" traditionally means a severe insult in Middle Eastern countries, similar to the middle finger in the US. Dayne Topkin on Unsplash. Placing one or both hands in the pocket or on the hip while talking: convey arrogance, lack of respect. " Sep 11, 2023 · However, in certain countries like the United Kingdom, if the palm is facing inward, it can be interpreted as an offensive gesture similar to giving the middle finger. Oct 4, 2023 · Raising the middle finger to insult someone is often referred to as ‘giving someone the finger’, ‘flipping someone off’, ‘flipping the bird’, or even ‘giving someone the one-finger salute,’ and can be accompanied by the phrases ‘f*ck you’ or ‘up yours,’ among others. 5. I've also read that, in medieval times, French soldiers would cut off English sharpshooters' middle fingers so that they could no longer use their bows, and that showing one's healthy middle finger became a gesture of defiance. Mar 19, 2014 · Rocking out at a metal show or tossing up hook ’em horns (with your hand in a fist and index and pinky finger extended) is a bad idea in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and Colombia. Showing the middle finger alone could be seen as a threat on one's sensitive areas. Hand gestures are a very important part of the body language gestures. Is the middle finger rude in Germany? As in many countries, flipping someone the middle finger, commonly referred to as flipping someone the bird, is very offensive. OK Sign Editorial credit: Maksym Azovtsev / Shutterstock. " sign of making a circle with your thumb and pointer finger is also considered offensive in Turkey. The Origin of the Middle Finger Gesture. In Denmark the raised middle finger is, confusingly, a token of appreciation, suggesting unity with the recipient. May seem counter-intuitive to foreigners but especially the older generations will consider you impolite if you don't greet them with a gently raised middle finger. [citation needed] Sep 29, 2020 · In countries such as Japan and Germany, it simply means the number one. Hang Loose - A clasped hand with thumb and pinky extended. 1422 A. It can be argued that using your middle finger at all is immature in itself. Bit like the circle game without the circle. The sign can be equally offensive in West Africa, Greece, and Sardinia. While you would expect that most hand gestures are pretty universal around the world, it seems as though that's not quite true. Some cultures do things very different from the way Americans are used to. and Australia. However, one thing that is much more dangerous is people who get triggered by seeing a middle finger. Horn fingers; Used by heavy metal rock bands for decades, the horn fingers gesture denotes ‘carry on rocking‘. Sep 2, 2024 · The Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope, one of the founders of Cynicism, is said to have shown the middle finger to visitors to Athens who asked about the celebrated orator Demosthenes and Jul 28, 2023 · This article will discuss the various perspectives on the middle finger gesture and its consequences from both a legal and cultural point-of-view. But idk how accurate that is bc it's been years since I asked. When we go overseas, sometimes language can be a barrier. The crossed index and middle fingers are usually used to "summon" good luck. While for us, the middle finger is the profane one; in Iran, it’s the thumb. Most of us have encountered this gesture in some form, perhaps directed at us, and have likely used it ourselves when unhappy with something or someone. Nov 19, 2024 · In Western and Chinese cultures, the middle finger is offensive. In response, the arches that werent captured would raise their middle finger to the enemy as a taunt or insult. K. " However, in some cultures, such as Greece, Russia, and the Middle East, holding up the index finger is considered rude and can be interpreted as an insult or a threat. Those who rage out and seek retaliation, all because somebody raised their middle finger at them. In the Middle East and Far East use the index and middle fingers together or the whole hand to point something out. May 31, 2015 · Alternatively, you can do the opposite gesture of the above and point your middle finger straight out while holding your palm open, which is similar to giving someone the finger in the U. However, if the hand is presented with the back of the hand facing out, that’s rude in the United Kingdom. Apr 26, 2023 · A clenched fist with your thumb between your first and second fingers means “screw you” (to put it mildly) in Turkey, Russia, and Indonesia. Showing your middle finger or flipping someone off in the United States and China evokes the same emotion: anger. So a LOT of American culture as been adopted by other countries. It’s essentially the equivalent of the middle finger, which is why you should keep your thumbs safely tucked away if you aren’t sure about the custom. that could get you a punch in the face in other countries 1. Turkey: an obscene gesture similar to the middle finger, and also used to show disagreement or to deny a request. A. Thanks to social media and Western movies, the meaning of this gesture in the Middle East slowly changes, but some people may still be offended by your Some of European hand gestures are positive and some are negative, for example, many people in the US and the UK use the thumbs up sign as a positive 'yes', however, in Sardinia and Greece it is as bad as holding up the middle finger. Are you curious about the origins and meaning of the middle finger gesture? Look no further! In this video, @doctor. [19] 6. The Five Fathers is also known as “the finger” or “the bird,” because it resembles an extended middle finger. may not elsewhere in the world. com) Raising the middle finger up facing another is a rude gesture in any other countries. The middle finger gesture is widely recognized as an offensive and provocative gesture across cultures. Just an FYI for anyone in here travelling to Denmark. However, if you’re from Vietnam, you only cross your fingers when you’re trying to be as vulgar as possible. To heighten the effect, the little finger and index finger should be directed towards the interlocutor. It has various meanings, depending on the circumstances and how it is presented. In some Arab countries, especially Egypt, the middle finger is lowered towards the palm and pointed towards someone, while all other fingers are kept straight. Crossing Your Fingers. It was humorously depicted in the popular show "Bad Monkey" on AppleTV+. In Greece and parts of Italy, there is a hand gesture known as the “fig,” which involves making a fist with the thumb peeping out between the index and middle fingers. It's crucial to exercise caution when using or interpreting gestures like the middle finger, as they can easily lead to misunderstandings or escalate conflicts. Next time you visit Vietnam, then, don’t cross your fingers in public. Axtell's book Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World. and some other English-speaking countries, curling the index finger toward the palm is a way to say “come over here” or “come closer. Here’s how the middle finger became the most obscene digit. The other fingers don't need to be closed though, just curved. Perhaps the worst misuse of this sign in recent history happened with then-Vice President Richard M. Jul 26, 2024 · In Western countries, giving a thumbs up is a sign of approval or agreement. This gesture, which Jan 27, 2020 · A thumb-up is not always an appropriate way to ask for a lift when hitchhiking. Nov 21, 2019 · Is the middle finger bad in other countries? Iran: Thumbs-up In America, the middle finger is the profane one; in Iran, it’s the thumb. ” This clearly indicates that there was one finger Martial regarded as more obscene than the others. May 13, 2015 · Brits abroad have a bit of a bad reputation. That is our best trait LoL. Giving someone the middle finger is like telling them, in the meanest way possible, that you dislike them. If you keep the fingers pointed downward, it’s a gesture of good luck that’s used to ward off evil. #9 The Cutis Oct 25, 2024 · So why is the middle finger bad if it can be substituted with something far more effective? It provides a path towards reconciliation rather than division. 'Phallic gesture' I forget which country, but back in ye olde days, some countries would cut off the middle and/or index finger of enemy archers that they captured, so that the could never use a bow again. Robbins insists that Caligula would offer his middle finger for subjects to kiss instead of his hand, but the source for this story (Suetonius, 12 Caesars) merely says: The V sign is a hand gesture in which the index and middle fingers are raised and parted to make a V shape while the other fingers are clenched. Final Thoughts: The Middle Finger as a Reflection of Cultural Sensitivities. THE MIDDLE FINGER AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT. While many of us associate this gesture with rock concerts or heavy metal, 'horn fingers' have quite an offensive meaning in Mediterranean and Latin countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Uruguay. A Nod is Not Always a Yes Nov 12, 2023 · However, there are some rude ways the middle finger is perceived in Japan too: Repeatedly pointing at someone with your middle finger is very impolite. , you might cross your fingers for luck. The Middle Finger and Other Insulting Gestures Around the World. Is the middle finger offensive in Europe? Jun 12, 2024 · Varied Consequences: In many other countries, the use of obscene gestures like the middle finger can result in fines or legal trouble, especially if it is directed at law enforcement officers or used in a way that disturbs public order. Then, in the last 100 years the USA has been THE dominant western power. So the middle finger The V sign is a hand gesture in which the index and middle fingers are raised and parted to make a V shape while the other fingers are clenched. Chin Flick (Back of Hand Under Chin and Flicking Fingers Outward): In Italy, Belgium, France and Tunisia: This gesture signifies dismissal or disdain and is considered very impolite. The Forks/Peace sign - A clasped hand held palm-outward with index and middle fingers extended in a V-shape. Cultural Perspective. It is typically the longest digit. Much like in many other countries, the act of flipping someone the middle finger in Germany, often referred to as “flipping the bird,” is highly offensive. The Germanic tribes may have adopted the gesture as early as antiquity if From one culture to another, hand gestures adopt a unique meaning and symbolism. Aug 16, 2016 · Treat people like humans, do it in a manner that will not cause offense as there are many other ways to call the attention of someone without offending them. The fact is that in prison culture, the "goat" is used as a threat to "gouge out the eyes" of an opponent. “Unfortunately, in Iran and neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, the thumbs-up is equivalent to the middle finger!” explains Dana Hooshmand, an author for Discover Discomfort, a language- and culture learning resource. In Western cultures, it is interpreted as an insult, similar to But wherever it derives, the positive “thumbs up” in Western cultures is a big no-no in other countries, such as Greece, Italy, and some throughout the Middle East. On the flip side, in some parts of Italy, it can be a protective symbol, warding off the evil eye. Nixon in the 1950s. What may elicit a thumbs up from Miss Manners in the U. Jan 5, 2019 · In certain Commonwealth countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, an outward-facing V sign is an obscene gesture equivalent to giving someone Oct 8, 2024 · Mindlessly giving somebody a thumbs-up in Greece, Iran, Russia, Sardinia and parts of West Africa could get you in trouble! There, a thumbs-up is synonymous with giving somebody the middle finger. May 13, 2014 · In these places, it roughly means "Sit on my phallus" and carries the same stigma as does raising the middle finger in the west. What country is thumbs up offensive? Middle Eastern countries, such as Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, find this gesture offensive. In anatomy, it is also called the third finger, digitus medius, digitus tertius or digitus III. Jun 11, 2024 · By pointing your index finger into the five fingers on your other hand, you are implying that the other person has five fathers. This is the action of punching your fist into your elbow joint while raising the other fist up in front of you. But why is waving one of your fingers offensive? David Clark answered this question for us back in 2009, and Aug 18, 2021 · In Italy and some other European countries it is equivalent to showing someone a middle finger, though elsewhere, like in Croatia, it represents not having something that another person is looking For Americans, making a horn shape with your index and pinky fingers outstretched generally means, “Rock on!” But in Italy and other Mediterranean countries, the sign of the horns can be considered taboo depending on how you use it. It is often used as a vulgar and offensive gesture to The middle finger gesture, also known as flipping someone off or giving them “the bird”, consists of making a fist and extending the middle finger while tucking the other fingers in. This obscene gesture is highly offensive and vulgar, and it is considered an insult in many countries around the world. The Churchillian palm out two fingers indicated V for Victory - though many took it to be 'F*ck off Hitler'. But across Great Britain and Ireland, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, and a number of other countries, the gesture is used as an insult similar to the American use of the middle finger to "flip the bird. It tells others that you are disrespectful of others and their feelings. 3. Jul 9, 2024 · In the United States and many other countries, the V-sign, made by raising the index and middle fingers while keeping the other fingers folded, is widely recognized as a symbol of peace or victory.