It has always fascinated me how different we are when it comes to language, fashion, simply gestures we all use on a daily basis.
For instance, in America, the “peace” sign is made with the first two fingers up and spread with the third, fourth, and thumb closed and the palm facing away from you. Turn the hand towards you so the palm is facing you, and it is the same as giving “the finger” to someone in Great Britain!
We use our hands more than we realize when speaking to each other or showing emotion. Body language and interaction between various people in our lives is as important as saying the words themselves.
Here is a list of other hand gestures and use of hands or arms, and what they mean, as well as their American counterparts, if any:
America
Raising the middle finger while keeping the other fingers and thumb closed, palm facing you, is considered vulgar.
The ring finger and thumb are curled or bent down while the other fingers are extended. The index and middle fingers are kept together (touching) and the back of the hand faces outwards (away from the gesturer) - this is known as the “shocker”.
The “Victory sign” or “peace sign” is given with the first two fingers extended upwards, while the other fingers and thumb are curled down and in, palm facing away from you.
Mexico
Hands on hips is a sign of hostility.
Women (initiate the handshake) and men greeting with a warm and soft handshake.
Argentina/Brazil
To raise a fist in the air with knuckles pointed outwards is an expression of victory.
A warm handshake, and with friends, a light touch on the forearm or elbow.
Chile
Holding the palm upward and then spreading the fingers signals that someone is stupid.
Iran
To signal to someone, put your hand out with your palm down, and curl your fingers in a scratching motion (in America, you raise your hand towards you, palm up).
A thumbs up sign is vulgar (in America, it means “OK”).
Lebanon
Raising a closed fist into the air is making a rude gesture.
Licking the little finger and brushing it across the eyebrow indicates someone is a homosexual.
Africa
Tap two index fingers together, side-by-side if you want someone to sleep with you.
It is considered rude to show the sole of your shoe.
Nigeria
A vulgar sign is to hold the hand forward at shoulder or head level, with the fingers spread.
Australia
Cover your mouth when yawning and say “Excuse me”.
China
Greetings are a slight nod or bow.
India
Grasp the earlobe to show remorse or honesty.
Signal to something with the chin or whole hand.
Tap on someone’s shoulder and then your forehead to apologize.
When greeting someone, clasp your hands together, fingers pointing up and say “Namaste”.
Japan
The “OK” sign (thumb and forefinger shaped like an “O” and fingers spread out) is a money sign.
Wave a hand, palm facing away from you to let others know you don’t understand.
Thailand
It is considered rude to put your arm behind someone sitting in a chair or to pat the back.
When greeting someone, clasp your hands together, fingers pointing up - the higher, the more respect you show.
England
The “Victory sign” (or peace sign) with the palm facing towards you is considered vulgar.
To ask the waiter for the bill, make a signature and paper movement with both hands.
France
Hail a taxi cab by snapping your fingers (Americans raise their hands and shout).
The “OK” sign means zero.
Slapping the open palm over a closed fist is considered vulgar.
Germany
Clasp your hands and raise them above your head to show appreciation.
Thumbs up means 1.
Greet others at a table with a light tap of your knuckles on the table.
Greece
The thumbs down sign shows distaste in another’s driving (in America, it means “no good”).
stretching the index and little fingers while holding the middle and ring fingers down with the thumb is considered vulgar (in America and elsewhere it is the Devil’s horns or “rock out”).
What other gestures are you familiar with?
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