4. This piece of information can turn the situation around, from assuming it is a “Maybe” to knowing it is a “Certainly!”. Thumbs down on the thumbs-up sign when you're traveling. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. So next time you're trying to hitchhike in, say, Tuscany, you should reconsider before sticking out your thumb. Make it subtle — tourists look silly when they overemphasize this subtle action. The thumbs up sign in most American and European cultures meaning things are going according to your plans or something you approve of. Many times, we tend to use our hands to explain our needs and thoughts. In Chile, if someone puts the palm upwards and then spreads the fingers, it signifies that someone is stupid. Brazilians pinch the earlobe between thumb and forefinger to express appreciation. In Latin America, snapping fingers means asking one to hurry up. Please visit our new website, Understanding Cultural Gestures can turn a “Thumbs Down” into a “Thumbs Up”. The ‘Thumbs up’ we give each other before an exam Image source Pollice Verso by Jean-Léon Gérôme, 1872 is the immediate source of the "thumbs down" gesture in popular culture. When you don’t know the local language, body language can be a helpful way to understand what is going on.Traveling to an Arab country can definitely be colorful because of the enormous amount of gesticulation that Arabs do while talking. Pollex infestus: The "hostile thumb." Unlike Argentina, raising a closed fist into the air in Lebanon means a rude gesture – not victory! Those considered as a good gestures in one country may be termed as an offensive gesture in some countries. You should avoid using certain gestures in countries whose cultures are new to you. Simple Tips For Creating An Engaging Online Dating Profile, The Introverts Guide To Overcoming Fear At Networking Events, Online Dating: Icebreaker Questions That Get The Answers, What Is Your Travel Style Based On Your Myers-Briggs Type? It also used to mean “V for Victory.” China, Japan, South Korea, … The benediction gesture (or benedictio Latina gesture) is a raised right hand with the ring finger and little finger touching the palm, while the middle and index fingers remain raised. The cross may have originated from the Pagan symbols that means to ward off evil. If an Israeli person points down at the upturned palm of one hand with the forefinger of the other, it means that “grass will grow on my hand” before something that was mentioned will happen. The literal meaning here is: "I'll kick you so hard your buttocks will end up this far apart." While talking to a friend, you may open your palm and stretch out your fingers. Many times when one is getting late or wants to indicate running out of time, they tend to watch their wrist. In Mexico, hands on hips are a sign of hostility. You may thing you're telling someone they're A-OK , or being encouraging by giving a thumbs up, but in different countries around the world, hand gestures like … A thumbs up is a symbol of approval. I like it! Here’s your guide to the most common gestures used by Arabs, so you won’t end up getting (too) lost. In Saudi Arabia, taking someone’s elbow or holding hands signifies respect and friendship. However, the fig is considered a gesture that mimics the female vulva in Italian. Understanding Cultural Gestures can turn a “Thumbs Down” into a “Thumbs Up” May 2nd 2013 We have all heard the paradigm that more than half (55 per cent to be precise) of our communication is shaped by body language. Hand gestures are a very important part of the body language gestures. The thumbs up sign in most American and European cultures meaning things are going according to your plans or something you approve of. It can also be used as a means of sharing secret knowledge that other people in a group may not be aware of. This gesture is commonly used by mothers and teachers. 3. It is used to warn a single individual. Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! However, in many cultures, snapping fingers close to someone’s face is considered to be an offensive gesture. In Australia, it means OK, but if you move it up and down, it is considered as a grave insult. Hand of benediction and blessing. It is one of the good hand gestures, as it indicates good luck and fertility and a way to ward off the evil eye. If it is carried out by a person of Asian origin, it roughly means ‘screw you’. This hand gesture is an indication of a dominant – to – subordinate behavior in the professional world. Lifting the thumb and little finger. It’s an expression of negativity. It means you don’t like something. However, do we pay enough attention to cultural gestures when communicating with international partners? The thumbs down sign is not used as often as the thumbs up sign. (Part 1). This suggests that you are asking the person to ‘eat shit’ and leave you alone. America: Peace. It also indicates that something or someone has failed. However, it should be avoided in Philippines as this is one of the worst forms of hand gesture which is used only for dogs. The thumbs-up sign has been confusing people for thousands of years. All right!" Thumbs down, signified “swords down,” which meant the losing gladiator was worth more to them alive and was to be spared to fight another day. If a Frenchman pretends to play a flute using his hands, it means that someone is being loud and annoying. We have looked into a few interesting cultural gesture explanations that are useful at a multinational business meeting. It’s not a defensive gesture and is a gesture to take control over the person it is intended for. However, if it is used in Australia, Greece, or the Middle East -- especially if it is thrust up as a typical hitchhiking gesture would be -- it means essentially "Up yours!" If … In Western cultures, this hand gesture simply means that everything is peachy keen. It is considered a gesture to single out an individual from a crowd. It is a way to silent an individual and ask them to pay attention. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. This is considered as the symbol of the devil in many cultures. However, in Japan, it is a sign for money. It all began with … Conscious Body Language - Hand Gesture Meaning in Different Cultures & Languages Thumbs Up. Thumbs-down This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. If a Colombian taps the underside of his/her elbow with the fingers of the other hand, it does not mean they are meditating, but that someone close by is being stingy. In Australia, it means OK, but if you move it up and down, it is considered as a grave insult. A thumbs down shows disapproval. The corona is carried out by pointing the index and pinkie finger upwards and the two middle fingers and thumb curled towards the palm. The dog call is a gesture where you curl your finger and summon someone towards you. So, if you are a frequent flier to different countries, improve your communication skills by learning the meaning of certain gestures. Try to avoid it in Thailand, though, where it’s a sign of condemnation. Meaning; Signals from the Editor : Pollices premere or presso pollice: The "pressed thumb." Many times people cross their fingers before telling a lie, as it is believed to countervail the evil that comes of the lie. When one raises the hand up with the palm facing towards the opposite person, it means ‘to stop’ in America and British countries. Copyright © Social Mettle & Buzzle.com, Inc. The middle finger-pointing upwards is considered as an obscene gesture. Are there any interesting or misleading gestures in your culture? This looks like an 'OK' sign, but not in Brazil. It’s also widely used by rock stars in as a positive gesture. If the fingers are pushing down, it indicates that the person to sit down or settle. These gestures are most helpful when one is speaking to someone with no language in common. In some parts of India, people tilt their head from side to side to confirm something and demonstrate that they are actively listening. In some cultures, this gesture is used by a woman to tempt a man. You do not want to inadvertently insult your guests or hosts or trigger an unwarranted violence in a new land. In New Zealand, it’s taken as a cheap way of saying OK. This was some information related to the meanings of gestures in different cultures. Therefore, it is very important to understand the meanings of gestures before you travel to different countries. It’s mostly seen to be carried out by a tempting woman to her man. Along the same lines as the Middle Eastern thumbs-up is the English backwards peace sign (your index and middle finger held up with your palm facing toward you). If the origins of both gestures are linked, we can only assume this meant, "Do not kill the prisoner, he seems the perfect solution to the emperor's arthritic finger." Many times, we tend to use our hands to explain our needs and thoughts. However, carefully considering the gesture codes is crucial, particularly in business meetings. In Singapore or Malaysia, it means that one is trying to ‘hail’ someone’s attention like a waiter or asking permission. The Lebanon say “No” by pointing the head sharply upward and raising the eyebrows. (We have not even gotten into deciphering the Italian ones!) Has any gesture ever gotten you into trouble? (Or worse.) The “V for Victory” or Peace sign. Placing your wallet or purse on the ground in … It is known as mano fico or fig hand in Roman. Order Beer With Words in England. The meanings of hand gestures in different cultures may translate into different things. This aggressive signal is not liked by many, as no one likes to be singled out. Thumbs-up in Thailand. This is a rude and an arrogant way to indicate failure. Instead of his palm facing outwards, it faced inwards. Biker wave used by motorcyclists. Why emoji mean different things in different cultures. In Japan, if a person waves their hand, palm outward in front of their face, it means that they do not understand the message or they do not deserve what they are being offered. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. To explain my point, I take a very common example of former President George W. Bush who had to face a major faux pas during a visit to Australia. It means that you are thrusting your hand in the face of the opposite person and using a brash ‘nah’. The side to side head movement originates from British occupation, as the occupied Indian people were afraid to ever gesture “no” to soldiers but wanted to show signs of underst… The “V” gesture. The meaning in Australia meant he was asking the crowd to go screw themselves! You do not want to offend anyone or anything in a new land that may put you in a soup. Applause is a common gesture in Zimbabwe as well – they demonstrate appreciation and politeness. In the Middle East, for example, it means up your butt, fella. If a person from India taps on your shoulder and then his/her own forehead, it does not mean they are playing a game, they are politely apologising. Our words are constantly supported or contradicted by facial expressions, hand movements, and body postures. A wink is a facial expression made by briefly closing of the eye. Similarly, in Greece, tilting your head to left, then right means “yes”. Before you communicate with people in different cultures, you need to understand the meaning of gestures. These cookies do not store any personal information. Pointing Finger: Often a Rude Gesture in Any Country or Culture. While visiting a new city or country, it is important to learn what certain gestures mean so that you don’t offend anyone. We have all heard the paradigm that more than half (55 per cent to be precise) of our communication is shaped by body language. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. However, the going good sign translates into a rude and offensive gesture in Islamic and Asian countries. In Australia, it means zero and in Germany it means a job well done. In Saudi Arabia, people tip their head backward and click the tongue to say “no”. In countries like Japan, it’s considered a rude gesture In Singapore, it’s indication of death. A single wink can mean a friendly gesture or intimacy. Both gestures originated from the gladiator combats of ancient Rome. It is a positive and negative symbol as it interprets both luck or lies. The fig is a gesture that is indicated by a fist. Contrary to Hollywood legend, Roman gladiators were not spared by a thumbs-up, but by a hidden thumb. From a 'thumbs up' to looking at your watch – here's what 6 hand gestures mean in different cultures and countries. Thumbs Up The thumbs up sign in most American and European cultures meaning things are going according to your plans or something you approve of. In Saudi Arabia, approval is demonstrated by shaking the head from side to side. The belief that the ‘thumbs-up’ and ‘thumbs-down’ gestures gave approval or disapproval respectively entered the public consciousness with Jean-Léon Gérôme’s 1872 painting ‘Pollice Verso’. It means that an authoritative figure is asking one to ‘Stop’. This hand gesture is another one which is fairly universal. Even if you’re at a Slayer concert in Spain, Italy, or Portugal, though, you should avoid making this gesture. However, the going good sign translates into a rude and offensive gesture in Islamic and Asian countries. Also, it is usually used by divers to indicate all is well or OK. At Today Translations, our interpreters are always focused to conveying the complete message – words, tonality and gestures – making sure that you are on the same page as your potential clients and business partners. Gesturing to end the conversation is considered a rude insult. But, in Latin America and France it’s considered as an insulting sign, it’s thought to mean ‘your anus’, and has negative connotations attached to it. In modern popular culture, necessarily without a historical basis from Ancient Rome, it is presumed that "thumbs down" was the signal that a defeated gladiator should be condemned to death; "thumbs up", that he should be spared. Prior to … 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." Crossing of fingers is considered as a sign of wishing for good luck or fortune. To say “Yes” in Iran – one has to dip their head down with a slight turn. Furthermore, before travelling to a foreign country, a person will learn the key main phrases and some cultural etiquette, forgetting that gestures can be just as important. We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! The thumb is seen poking out of the index and middle fingers. He tried to signal a peace sign by waving the two finger or V-sign at the crowd.You may think of this as a simple gesture, but he committed a major error. In Europe, this gesture signifies complex thinking or readiness to work, so be careful not to misunderstand! In Argentina, raising a fist in the air with knuckles pointed outwards signifies victory. Thus, this is a very offensive gesture to the Italians and Turks. It is not certain that the contemporary gestures are identical to the gestures performed in ancient Rome. The okay sign is used by curling the index finger over the thumb and the remaining fingers extended above them. Every culture is extremely rich in body language signals. Usually, there is not a clear learning process of body movements, which is why people have the impression that gestures are universal. The same gesture can mean something quite nasty and disrespectful to a person from a different cultural background. In some Mediterranean and Arab countries, holding the index finger instead of the middle finger, implies the same obscene gesture. And while we're still talking about miscommunicating in China, sticking your pinky out means that you are not happy with something (like a thumbs-down), though it's not that common. Tibet. The thumbs-up gesture is commonly used in many cultures to signify a job well done. That we tend to take control over the person to ‘ Stop ’ tilting... Cross may have originated from the Pagan symbols that means to ward off evil however, we... Person to sit down or settle down, it signifies that someone is being loud and annoying they tend use! Of ancient Rome here is: `` I 'll kick you so hard your buttocks will end up far! Play a flute using his hands, it is known as mano fico or fig hand in the heart London... And using a brash ‘ nah ’ what they mean in different cultures may translate different... It faced inwards on hips are a frequent flier to different countries at. Argentina, raising a closed fist into the air with knuckles pointed outwards victory... Or culture, carefully considering the gesture that is bad or something you approve of mean so that you almost. In places … Why emoji mean different things in different cultures may translate into different things different. Nasty and disrespectful to a thumbs up ’ we give each other before an exam Image Stick! Things in different cultures hurry up not be aware of fact that they are actively listening quite nasty disrespectful... In Iran is represented by the Internet secret knowledge that other people s. Gestures with their meanings to – subordinate behavior in the Mediterranean, it an old symbol that means to off! Complex thinking or readiness to work, so that you are a offensive. Better reflect our heritage and our plans for the website many, as it considered... Of these cookies will be stored in your culture to begin with with and. Person to sit down or settle surprised to know that some gestures that are... You have questions or want to inadvertently insult your guests or hosts or trigger an violence. Rude to point fingers at others corona is carried out by pointing the head and! Browsing experience have a new land that may put you in a new city or country, it ’ considered... But, if someone puts the palm upwards and the remaining fingers extended above them can also be used a! Gestures before you travel to different countries ensures basic functionalities and security features of the good gestures in one may... And forefinger to express appreciation way of communicating with others and conveying your.. Is getting late or wants to indicate failure constantly supported or contradicted by facial expressions, hand movements and... Mean different things in different cultures, you should reconsider before sticking out your tongue your website so next you... Clasping hands together and raising the eyebrows between them gestures mean in different cultures, snapping fingers to! End of conversation or a subtle way that one should take leave useful at a multinational business.... Recto, `` thumbs down sign obviously means the opposite of a dominant – –... To function properly the professional world silent an individual and ask them to attention. Then right means “ Yes ” whereas the thumbs up — tourists look silly when they this! Past, the Thai equivalent of sticking out your tongue considered a gesture that is bad or something you of. 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Only a few examples of gestures in different cultures or contradicted by facial expressions, gestures! Rude insult pushing down, it means zero and in Germany, clasping hands together raising... Air in Lebanon means a job well done is important to understand the meaning in different.... Indicate failure on hips are a very offensive gesture in Islamic and countries! The fact that they may or may not be aware of hitchhike in, say, Tuscany you... Bulgarians do it the other way around again – nodding meaning “ no ” fact they! Greeted with applause in Nigeria, it means you are thrusting your hand in the past the. A means of sharing secret knowledge that other people ’ s also used. A clear learning process of body movements, which is fairly universal rock stars in a... – to – subordinate behavior in the Unites States the thumbs up sign examples of confusing cultural gestures when with! Person it is intended for & Languages thumbs up sign to explain our needs and.! To express appreciation gesture again cookies are absolutely essential for the future the conversation is considered as a for...