What does thumbs up mean in different countries?
Thumbs up. Offended countries: Afghanistan, Iran, and parts of Italy and Greece. What you think it means: “All good!”. What it really means: Thumbs up is sign of approval in the US and even eventually to Zangief, but it actually translates to “up yours” in other places around the world. Just smile instead.
What is the meaning of thumbs up in Italian?
In Italy, the cheek screw means you like what you're hearing, seeing, or tasting. Across continental Europe, the thumbs up is generally a request for one of something — but of course means "a-OK" if it comes with a sparkling smile. In Europe, while some gestures can help you communicate, others can contribute to the language barrier.
What does the thumbs up mean in Zangief?
Laces out, Dan. What you think it means: “All good!” What it really means: Thumbs up is sign of approval in the US and even eventually to Zangief, but it actually translates to “up yours” in other places around the world. Just smile instead.
What is the meaning of thumbs up in Afghanistan?
Thumbs up. Offended countries: Afghanistan, Iran, and parts of Italy and Greece What you think it means: “All good!” What it really means: Thumbs up is sign of approval in the US and even eventually to Zangief, but it actually translates to “up yours” in other places around the world. Just smile instead.
What country is thumbs up offensive?
1. Thumbs Up. In Iran, Greece, Russia, Sardinia, and parts of West Africa the thumbs up is as rude as the middle finger is in the UK. So no posing in front of the Parthenon making the thumbs up gesture like a nerdy tourist.
What does thumbs up mean in France?
a sign expressing a wish for good luck, success etc. signe de bonne chance. He gave me the thumbs-up. (Translation of thumbs-up from the PASSWORD English-French Dictionary © 2014 K Dictionaries Ltd)
What does thumbs up mean in other countries?
The thumbs-up gesture is a sign of approval in most countries. However, in several countries in West Africa and the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the gesture has the connotation of "up yours!" It's used the same way the middle finger is in the US.
What does thumb up mean in Italy?
Thumbs-Up. The thumbs-up signals approval in the U.S. and on Facebook, but in Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece, it means “up yours.” So next time you're trying to hitchhike in, say, Tuscany, you should reconsider before sticking out your thumb. Avoid Using In: Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece.
What does thumbs-up mean in Greece?
Thumbs up In many areas of the world a thumbs up signal is interpreted as meaning “Okay” or “I agree.” However, in Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria, South America, the Middle East and parts of Italy and Greece it is an obscene insult meaning “sit on it” which is their equivalent to holding a middle finger up.
What does thumbs-up mean in Poland?
In Poland, however, you will see an entirely different gesture. Here, Poles will close their fingers around their thumbs into fists, a bit like they're tensing up. Even when wishing someone luck, a Pole will say Trzymam kciuki! ('I'm holding my thumbs! ').
What does 🤟 mean in Italy?
Che vuoi? (Italian pronunciation: [ke vˈvwɔi]; transl. "what do you want?"), alternatively described as ma che vuoi?, ma che dici?/ma che stai dicendo? ("what are you talking about?"), or simply che? ("what?"), is one of the best known hand gestures of Italy.
What does thumbs up mean in Russia?
That innocent "thumbs up"? In Greece, Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and several other places, it actually means "up yours."
What does two fingers up mean in England?
British, informal. : to make an obscene gesture by holding up the index finger and the middle finger of one hand in the shape of a V while keeping the palm turned inward.
What does a thumbs-up mean in Japan?
In Japan, thumbs up mean a sign of agreement. However, it also means 'a lover' in a rude way.
What does thumbs-up mean in Roman times?
The last thing a sweaty sportsman wanted was a thumbs-up. While in modern times it has a positive meaning, back then it meant "get him out of here," or death, while a concealed thumb (considered thumbs-down) meant the gladiator lived.
What does 👍 mean from a guy?
👍” to solicit support or to say thanks. As with much of language, the thumbs-up emoji can also be used sarcastically: “Way to ruin the party 👍.” It's also sometimes used in reference to the “This guy” meme (e.g., “Who's got two thumbs and a ticket to the premiere of Black Panther? This guy”).
How do gestures help in Europe?
In Europe, while some gestures can help you communicate, others can contribute to the language barrier. For example, if you count with your fingers, in Europe remember to start with your thumb, not your index finger (if you hold up your index finger, you'll probably get two of something).
What are some European gestures?
Here are a few more common European gestures, their meanings, and where you're likely to see them. Fingertips Kiss: Gently bring the fingers and thumb of your right hand together, raise to your lips, kiss lightly, and joyfully toss your fingers and thumb into the air.
What does "hand purse" mean?
It can also be used as an insult to say "You fool.". The hand purse can also mean "fear" (France), "a lot" (Spain), and "good" (Greece and Turkey). Hand Shake: "Expensive" is often indicated by shaking your hand and sucking in like you just burned yourself.
What does the cheek screw mean?
Understanding European Gestures. In Italy, the cheek screw means you like what you're hearing, seeing, or tasting. Across continental Europe, the thumbs up is generally a request for one of something — but of course means "a-OK" if it comes with a sparkling smile.
1. Thumbs up
This widely recognised sign of approval or agreement is actually used as an insult in Bangladesh.
2. Come here
This is used in the United States to ask a person to step forward, but in Asia this gesture isn’t welcome.
3. The horn fingers
In USA “the horn fingers” is adopted by rockers and it is a sign of approval, rock on!
5. The OK
In most of the English-speaking world, as well as in several other countries, this hand gesture means that everything is fine, great, okay and/or perfect.
What does it mean to make a circle with your thumb and index finger?
Making a circle with your thumb and your index finger is how to signal "OK" in the US. But make the same gesture in Brazil, and you're giving the equivalent to the middle finger — the gesture has " insulting and scatological connotations," as the New York Times put it.
What does it mean to cross your fingers?
Shayanne Gal/Business Insider. In most cultures, crossing your fingers means you're hoping for good luck. But not in Vietnam. There, the gesture is thought to resemble female genitals, and making it is similar to giving the middle finger .
What are some examples of hand gestures that are vulgar in certain places outside the US?
Some hand gestures that are innocent in the United States are offensive in other countries. The thumbs up, the "OK" sign, and crossing your fingers are all examples of gestures that are vulgar in certain places outside the US. Not every hand gesture is universal.
What does it mean when you throw up the Devil's Horns?
You might throw up the devil's horns at a rock show, but in some countries you're telling someone their wife is cheating on them. Heavy metal fans are familiar with the so-called "sign of the horns" or "devil horns," made by extending the index finger and pinky.
Do people give thumbs up in the Middle East?
And definitely don't give a thumbs up in the Middle East. The thumbs-up gesture is a sign of approval in most countries. However, in several countries in West Africa and the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the gesture has the connotation of "up yours!".
Is hand gesture universal?
Not every hand gesture is universal. And sometimes, making what you think is an innocent gesture in one country can land you in hot water somewhere else. Just ask any traveler who's given a thumbs-up in Afghanistan. Or someone who's crossed their fingers in Vietnam or signaled "OK" in Brazil. All those gestures have offensive connotations away ...
What does thumbs down mean?
The thumbs down gesture is also commonly used in America, but less so in many other countries. The gesture obviously means the opposite of “thumbs up”, however in many cultures it is considered to be very rude and arrogant.
What is the most common hand gesture?
Thumbs up is perhaps the most common of hand gestures and one that has been used for thousands of years. The signal for approval or agreement is commonly found a European and American cultures as a sign of approval or that things are going according to plan. The gesture is so prevalent that it is a common emoji and is commonly used in social media and customer service ratings to indicate satisfaction.
Why do people curl their index fingers?
In the US and some other English speaking countries curling the index finger toward the palm of the hand is used to summon someone towards you. In movies the gesture is frequently used by a female character as a way of tempting a man.
What does the palm facing inward mean?
However in many countries outside of the US the direction the palm is facing makes a major difference in the meaning. The peace sign is the one that caused George W. Bush some problems when he flashed it to an Australian crowd with the palm facing inward, which is a major insult. The V sign with an inward facing palm is also considered ...
Why do people use hand gestures?
Hand gestures are an integral part of communication, particularly if we are speaking in a foreign language. They are a great way of making sure we’re getting our point across and underpin what we’re trying to say. Many travelers will also use hand gestures as a means of non-verbal communication when traveling in countries where they do not speak ...
What does the Peace sign mean?
This hand gesture is another one which is fairly universal. Prior to the 1960s it was primarily used to indicate “victory”. During the Vietnam war and hippy era the sign began to mean peace and is now typically referred to as the “peace sign.”
What happens if you don't understand hand gestures?
Not understanding the meaning of gestures in different cultures can lead to misunderstandings, insults and even violence. However, since hand gestures are such a regular part of our daily communication habits, it is easy to make a mistake. US Presidents George W Bush and Richard Nixon both unintentionally insulted their audiences in Australia ...
Why do people hold their second and third fingers?
All over the world, people hold up their second and third fingers to declare, “Peace!” But if you do it in the United Kingdom—in a certain way—you might instead be inciting a skirmish. If your palm is facing away from you, it’s harmless—in fact, Winston Churchill used it as a “V for victory” gesture quite a bit during World War II. Backward, though, it’s a big ol’ insult. One unsubstantiated, but certainly fun, theory behind it is that it stems from a 15th-century battle. War prisoners were said to have had their second and third fingers chopped off so that they’d no longer be able to fire bows. Prisoners who escaped before undergoing this punishment, therefore, would flash those two fingers as they ran away. The gesture’s derisive, taunting connotations, proponents say, remain to this day.
Why did prisoners have their fingers chopped off?
War prisoners were said to have had their second and third fingers chopped off so that they’d no longer be able to fire bows.
What does it mean to brush your chin with your fingertips?
This is less a single gesture than a motion: flicking your hand outward, palm up , brushing your chin with your fingertips as you do it. In Italy—northern Italy in particular—it’s an aggressively dismissive gesture, meaning (in the most polite terms) that you just don’t care.
What does the horns on Lonne's hand mean?
(More literally, the “horns” are supposed to represent a castrated bull. )
Which hand do Southpaws use?
India, many Middle Eastern countries: Using your left hand. While in the United States, you’ll find no shortage of lefty pride, southpaws will want to be careful about using their left hand as they normally would should they travel to India or the Middle East.
Is thumbs up a positive gesture?
What might seem to Americans like a universally positive gesture is not, in fact, universal. “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. In America, the middle finger is the profane one; in Iran, it’s the thumb. Though it’s certainly good to have this knowledge, and you should try your best to avoid making any offensive gestures, Hooshmand assures that you likely won’t incur any real wrath if you slip up. “Political tensions notwithstanding, the vast majority of everyday Iranians are gregarious, worldly, and educated, and are more amused than offended if a visiting American makes an innocent mistake,” he told Reader’s Digest.
Is it rude to point with your index finger?
As a little kid, you may have been chastised that “it’s rude to point!” especially if you dared pair the gesture with laughter. But, while it can be inconsiderate in the United States in certain circumstances, an index-finger point is always rude in Malaysia . As a matter of fact, because it can be offensive in some cultures, employees at Disney parks are actually trained to avoid pointing with their index fingers. Instead, if they must point to something, they use two fingers. At Disney, that is—actually in Malaysia, the common alternative is to point with your thumb (particularly your right thumb).
What does thumbs up mean on Facebook?
The thumbs-up signals approval in the U.S. and on Facebook, but in Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece, it means “up yours.” So next time you’re trying to hitchhike in, say, Tuscany, you should reconsider before sticking out your thumb.
What does the palm out fingers up stop sign mean?
Don’t use the palm-out, fingers-up “stop” sign in Greece, or you may not be able to stop someone from punching you in the face. This gesture is an insult to Greeks—a stigma that apparently dates back to Byzantine times, when shackled criminals were paraded through the streets and gawkers were allowed to smear charcoal or excrement in their faces using their open palms.
What does it mean when your fingers are crossed in Vietnam?
Fingers Crossed. Crossing your index and middle fingers won’t bring you good luck in Vietnam. There, crossed fingers symbolize a part of the female anatomy and can be considered very rude when flashed at another person. Avoid Using In: Vietnam.
Why is the left hand considered unclean?
In these countries, the left hand is traditionally seen as unclean, because it is associated with cleaning yourself after using the bathroom. Avoid Using In: The Middle East, India, Sri Lanka, and Africa.
Is it OK to circle with your index finger?
The OK. Turns out making a circle with your index finger and thumb is not OK in certain countries. In France, for example, it means “zero” or “worthless.”. In Venezuela, Turkey, and Brazil, it’s a vulgar slang that will offend pretty much anyone you flash it at. Avoid Using In: Turkey, Brazil, Venezuela, and France.
Is it bad to rock out with your hand in a fist?
In these countries, the University of Texas’ signature hand gesture can be used to indicate that someone’s wife has been unfaithful.
Is touching someone else's head a faux pas?
In the Buddhist faith, it’s where the spirit lives. Thus, touching someone else’s head or hair is a definite faux pas —so think twice before you ruffle a kid’s hair or pat someone for a job well done!
What does "thumbs up" mean?
Thumbs up. Often the most universal signal meaning “good” or “okay”, it isn’t the most polite thing to do outside of the UK. In Greece or Sardinia, it is an insult and means to “go away” in very rude terms.
What does the hand gesture mean in Spain?
The hand gesture in Spain which means something more insulting - and other rude signals. HOLIDAYS abroad to Spain, Greece and Portugal are high on many Briton's holiday list this year. However, there are some hand gestures which, while innocent in the UK, have much ruder meanings abroad. By Kara Godfrey. PUBLISHED:
What does it mean when you touch your index finger?
In countries such as Turkey, France and Brazil, it is a mean thing to do to someone. It instead means the number zero, meaning that person is worthless .
What does it mean to spread your hand out?
Spreading a flat hand with all five fingers out is often known to mean “stop” in the UK. In Greece and parts of Africa is it the opposite; it actually means “go to hell”. It is thought it originates from the Byzantine times when cinder was wiped on criminals faces using the spread out palm.
What does it mean to cross your fingers?
Crossed fingers. A good luck sign is to often cross the fingers. In Vietnam, it signifies something else. It is a symbol which means the familial genitalia . If this is pointed at someone then it is considered a rude insult. Hand signals: The sign for rock and roll is considered rude in Spain and Portugal (Image: Getty)
What does "yes" mean in India?
Also a means of saying “yes” or “okay” is the head nod, as a form of agreement. In Albania and Greece however, the opposite is the case meaning a shake of the head means “yes”. India is slightly different, in that wobbling, not shaking, the head from side to side is also an agreement, so it is worth learning what is being said yes to.
Do locals speak English?
Many locals also speak English, making it easier for nervous travellers to get around the country. Yet sometimes tourists will use hand signals in a way to gesticulate to someone who doesn’t understand the language. What they may not realise, is that they could be being much ruder than they mean to be. Flight comparison website Jetcost has revealed ...
What does the gesture Mano Fico mean?
In a positive manner, that is — to wish someone good luck and fertility. It also was seen as a protective measure against the evil eye. The Romans called the gesture mano fico, or fig hand, as they felt the thumb-in-fist looked like a woman's private parts.
What is the gesture of a banana?
In Brazil, the gesture is known as the banana, although its meaning is the same. Men in Britain and Germany sometimes make the forearm jerk as a rude way of indicating they're lusting after a particular woman, although they'd never make the gesture at the woman [sources: Kruschewsky, Steves ]. Advertisement.
How to make a hand sign?
Primarily used in India and Pakistan, the hand sign is made by putting the tip of your thumb in your mouth with the rest of your fingers standing straight up. (Some people do it with the fingers curled in.) Once you make the gesture, you flick your thumb out of your mouth while crying out, "Cutta!". ("Screw you!")
What does "A-OK" mean in Brazil?
In some Middle Eastern countries, the "A-OK" is the symbol for the "evil eye" [sources: Busch, Kruschewsky ].
What percentage of human communication is word?
Words comprise but a mere 7 to 35 percent of human communication. The rest comes via body language: gestures, posture, facial expressions, proximity and touch [source: Expats Moving and Relocation Guide ]. What you should be thinking about are local hand gestures, especially if you're someone who can't speak without animatedly flinging your hands ...
Is a hand gesture obscene?
Many hand gestures that are innocuous or positive in one country can be incredibly insulting or obscene in another. To make things more difficult, a gesture's meaning can also differ within a country, depending upon the locale.
Is the baby's nose a thumb?
Your thumb, of course, is supposedly the baby's nose. Alas, while this game is common in the U.S., Australia and Canada, it's never played in Turkey. In that country, the hand gesture, commonly known as "the fig," is like calling someone an unprintable name [source: Peters ].
