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. However, pointing a finger has a meaning in different countries too. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain. Cross-Cultural Communication Getting touchy. Pointing Finger: Often a Rude Gesture in Any Country or Culture. The two pointing fingers indicate the horns of the Devil. If you want to read similar articles to The Meaning of Hand Gestures in different Countries, we recommend you visit our Family health category. Which countries find it most offensive? This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. (By the way, if you haven't yet, do read Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven by Susan Jane Gilman, a mesmerizing memoir of the author's first big trip abroad that started with an aborted trip in recently opened-to-foreigners China). Traditionally, it's a way to show the number three in many Western countries, and a way to indicate the number seven in China. This gesture called a shaka sign is typical in Hawaii and in places ⦠For example, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is a sing to show you want a small amount of something. You may know if for the most popular Italian hand gesture. In Japan, pointing is done with the fingers together and the palm facing upwards; in Germany, with the little finger only. Peace Sign, V for Victory, or Fighting Words and Hideous Insult. The finger is at one end of the hand, and so does not disturb the use of the index finger or the whole palm. (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.) In the Philippines however, this gesture is considered offensive, as this style of beckoning is used to call dogs. For this reason, this oneHOWTO article will explain what some of these hand gestures mean. Meanwhile, in Turkey it is a positive sign meaning everything is well or that something is pretty. Those of Indian heritage may point using the chin, whole hand, or thumb. From a 'thumbs up' to looking at your watch â here's what 6 hand gestures mean in different cultures and countries. Zilch. 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. 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. 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. ⦠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. Turkey: An obscene gesture similar to the middle finger, and is also used to show disagreement or to deny a request. Itâs also widely used by ⦠Some cultures consider pointing fingers at someone as insulting whereas in other parts of the world it is often used as a reference. To point your open hand & outstretched arm toward someone, (as if to say halt! ) 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 Germany and Hungary, the upright thumb is used to represent the number 1; however, it represents the number 5 in Japan. Be friendly, be polite -- they'll know you didn't really mean to imply anything about sticking anything anywhere with some casually thoughtless and simple gesture. 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. Loser Sign - or the Number Eight in Chinese? 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