Gestures Gone Awry

Traveling, one learns, is a delicate dance of diplomacy. The unwritten rule is simple: don’t piss off the locals. Each country has its own lexicon of gestures, a tapestry of unspoken rules that govern what’s acceptable and what’s downright incendiary. Imagine that you've just landed in a foreign land, your passport still warm from the customs officer's touch, and you're eager to soak up the local culture. But before you dive headfirst into the churning waters of cultural exchange, consider this: the very gestures that make you seem friendly and approachable back home might just spark an international incident. Those innocuous hand signals you toss around so freely could be the social equivalent of waving a red cape in front of a bull.

Take, for instance, the seemingly benign "OK" sign – a circle formed with your thumb and forefinger. It’s the universal symbol for everything being just great, right? Not necessarily. In places like Greece, Spain, and Brazil, flashing this sign is tantamount to calling someone a name that rhymes with 'brass pole.' You might think you're communicating smooth sailing, but your unsuspecting gesture is, in fact, an anatomically explicit insult. Imagine the shocked faces, the indignant glares, and the very real possibility of a hasty exit from that charming cafe.

What’s behind these sometimes innocent blunders? Today, we’re taking a look at the world of misunderstood gestures, the stories behind them, and the places where they could cause offense. Hopefully we’ll be able to arm you with the knowledge to avoid any inadvertent offense by giving you a look at some of the idiosyncrasies that make our global village both perplexing and endlessly intriguing. So, keep your hands where everyone can see them - we're about to delve into the fascinating world of gestures gone awry. By the end, you might just find yourself rethinking that casual thumbs-up.

The Fig:

Avoid Using In: Turkey, Russia, Indonesia, Slavic countries

What’s the Story: The "fig" sign, where the thumb is wedged between the index and middle fingers, may seem like a child’s magic trick of stealing someone’s nose, but it carries a potent and offensive meaning in various cultures around the world. Its origins are believed to be ancient, possibly stemming from Roman times, where it symbolized a woman's genitals, the gesture itself resembling a fig – a fruit often associated with fertility and female sexuality.

In the Roman Empire, this gesture might have been used in rituals or to ward off evil spirits.

In modern contexts, this gesture is particularly offensive in countries like Turkey, Russia, and Indonesia, where it is akin to giving someone the middle finger, a universally recognized sign of disrespect. The fig sign is also used to indicate contempt, disrespect, or to outright insult someone. It can also imply a crude reference to sexual relations, further enhancing its vulgarity. In Turkey, for instance, showing someone the "fig" sign is considered extremely rude and can provoke an angry confrontation. In Russia, the gesture is known as "kikish” and is similarly offensive, often used to tell someone off in a very dismissive manner. In Indonesia, the sign is not only offensive but can also bring bad luck, given its association with negative superstitions.

So, the next time you want to impress someone by “stealing their nose”, be careful where you perform this trick.

Crossed Fingers:

Avoid Using In: Vietnam

What’s the Story: The "fingers crossed" sign, where one crosses the middle finger over the index finger, is often used in Western cultures to wish for good luck or to indicate that one is hoping for a positive outcome. This gesture’s origins are thought to date back to early Christianity when crossing fingers was a way for believers to invoke the power of the cross for protection or blessings.

However, this seemingly innocent and hopeful gesture takes on a very different meaning in Vietnam. Here, the "fingers crossed" sign is considered extremely rude and offensive. The reason lies in its resemblance to female genitalia, making it an obscene and disrespectful gesture. So, when in Vietnam, it’s best to leave your fingers uncrossed and find another way to wish for good luck.

Rock On:

Avoid Using in: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico

What’s the Story: The "rock on" sign, made by extending the index and pinky fingers while holding down the middle and ring fingers with the thumb, is a staple at rock concerts worldwide. This gesture, often associated with heavy metal music, is used to express enthusiasm, solidarity, or a love for rock music. Its popularization in this context is often credited to Ronnie James Dio, the late Black Sabbath front man, who adopted the sign from his Italian grandmother’s protective tradition meant to ward off the "evil eye."

But in the countries listed above, the "rock on" sign carries a far more insulting connotation. Known as "il cornuto" in Italian, which translates to "the horned one," this gesture implies that a man’s wife is unfaithful, essentially calling him a cuckold. The origins of this offensive meaning are steeped in Mediterranean and Latin cultures where the gesture is used to accuse someone of being weak, deceived, or emasculated by their partner’s infidelity. In the passionate and superstitious societies of Southern Europe and Latin America, horns have long been associated with the devil, witchcraft, and malevolence. Thus, flashing this sign can be seen as calling someone out on their supposed misfortune and dishonor. So, when traveling to these regions, it’s wise to keep your enthusiasm for rock music in check and your hands gesture-free.

Ok Sign:

Avoid Using in: Brazil, Greece, Turkey, Spain, France

What’s the Story: The "OK" sign, where the thumb and forefinger form a circle and the remaining fingers are extended, is widely recognized in Western cultures as a positive gesture meaning “good job”, "all is well", or "okay." Its origins in this context are believed to date back to the early 19th century in the United States, popularized by a satirical editorial referring to the “OK Club” in Boston. OK later became a standard way for telegraph operators to acknowledge having received a transmission.

However, in the countries listed above, the gesture is anything but okay. The origins of its offensive nature dates back to ancient times where the circle made by the thumb and forefinger was meant to represent a bodily orifice. So, flashing this “okay” sign in these countries is equivalent to calling someone an ‘asshole’. A decidedly rude way to say ‘great’.

Thumbs Up:

Avoid Using in: Middle East, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Greece, Sardinia

What’s the Story: The "thumbs up" sign, where the thumb is extended upward from a closed fist, is widely recognized in Western cultures as a positive gesture, signifying approval, success, or that everything is "good to go." Its use in this context dates back to ancient Rome, where it was used by Roman emperors to signal life or death to gladiators in the arena.

However, this seemingly universal gesture takes on a far less positive meaning in the countries listed above. In these regions, the "thumbs up" sign is equivalent to giving someone the middle finger, effectively conveying a very rude and offensive message. In the Middle East, for instance, the gesture is known as "bilakh," and it represents a phallic symbol, suggesting an offensive and disrespectful intent. This interpretation is deeply rooted in local customs and social taboos around body language and its meanings.

In Greece and Sardinia, the gesture carries similarly negative connotations. Here, showing a "thumbs up" is seen as highly disrespectful, akin to telling someone to "shove it." The historical context in these regions includes a long tradition of using hand gestures to convey strong emotions and social signals, often with a focus on maintaining honor and respect in interactions.

So, when traveling, it may be best to just keep your thumbs to yourself and find other ways to express your approval or agreement.

Reversed Peace/Victory Sign:

Avoid Using in: United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand

What’s the Story: The "reversed peace sign," where the index and middle fingers are extended with the palm facing inwards, may look like a harmless gesture to some, often confused with the peace or victory sign. However, in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, this gesture is anything but peaceful. It's considered extremely rude, akin to showing someone the middle finger (seems like so many things convey the same message as that old reliable middle finger, doesn’t it?).

In the United Kingdom, the reversed peace sign is known as "flipping the V's," and it is a powerful way to express anger or disrespect. The gesture's offensive nature is deeply ingrained in British culture, making it a potent non-verbal insult. Similarly, in Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, this sign retains its derogatory meaning, often used in moments of frustration or to provocatively dismiss someone.

So, if you run for office and win in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland, be careful of how you flash your victory signs. Ensuring your palm is facing outwards to avoid any unintended offense may be key to reelection.

Stop or Moutza:

Avoid Using in: Greece & Pakistan

What’s the Story: The "stop” or “moutza" sign involves extending all five fingers with the palm facing outward, as if you are pushing something away. While it may appear to be a straightforward gesture for halting or signaling "stop", in Greece and Pakistan, it is considered highly offensive and rude. The roots of this gesture’s offensive meaning can be traced back to ancient Byzantine times.

The word "moutza" comes from the Greek referring to a type of punishment where ashes were smeared on the face of criminals. During public shaming rituals, offenders would be paraded through the streets, and onlookers would fling ashes at them with an outstretched hand, similar to the modern "moutza" gesture (‘moutza’ is the Greek word for ‘cinders or ‘ashes’). This historical context imbued the gesture with a connotation of disgrace and humiliation.

In contemporary Greece, performing the "moutza" sign is akin to telling someone to "go to hell" or expressing profound disrespect. It is a strong, offensive gesture that can provoke anger or escalate conflicts. The gesture’s significance is so ingrained in Greek culture that it is often accompanied by verbal insults to reinforce its derogatory intent. In Pakistan, the gesture has a similar negative meaning. Showing someone an open palm with outstretched fingers is seen as a deeply insulting action, often associated with a curse or a severe rebuke. It conveys contempt and disdain, making it a potent non-verbal insult.

So, when visiting these countries, instead of using the “stop” sign, it may be best to just keep right on going.

Finger Summoning:

Avoid Using In: The Philippines, Singapore, Japan

What’s the Story: The "finger summoning" sign, where one curls the index finger towards oneself to beckon someone, might seem like a harmless and common way to call someone to you. However, in countries like the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, and Korea, this gesture is considered extremely rude and disrespectful. In the Philippines, the "finger summoning" motion is highly offensive and is only used to call dogs. Using it to summon a person implies that you consider them to be an animal, which, as you might imagine, is deeply insulting. The gesture is seen as demeaning and can provoke anger or confrontation and can even get you arrested.

In Japan, Singapore, and Korea the gesture also carries negative connotations. It can be interpreted as arrogant and presumptuous, suggesting that the person using the gesture sees themselves as superior.

In cultures that value humility and respect, this kind of behavior is particularly frowned upon as it’s considered a serious breach of social etiquette. Instead of using this gesture, a preferred way to call someone to you is with the palm facing down and fingers waving, which is considered more polite and respectful. It’s also a good way to tickle someone if they happen to be in the right position.

Raised Middle Finger:

Avoid Using In: Pretty much everywhere

What’s the Story: Before the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the French, anticipating victory of the English, proposed to cut off the middle finger of all captured English soldiers. Without the middle finger it would be impossible to draw the renowned English longbow, leaving them incapable of fighting in the future. This famous English longbow was made of the native English Yew tree, and the act of drawing the longbow was known as “plucking the yew” (or “pluck yew”).

To the surprise of the French, the English won a major upset and began mocking their opponents by waving their middle fingers at the defeated French, saying, “See, we can still pluck yew!”. You can see how easily this eventually morphed into the current pejorative associated with the one-finger-salute. And it’s because the arrows used in the longbows were adorned with pheasant feathers that the symbolic gesture is known as “giving the bird”.

Today, the raised middle finger is a universally recognized gesture of insult and contempt. It is comforting to know, we think, that in addition to the air we breathe and the hopes and dreams we have for our children, there is something else that transcend’s across all cultural boundaries.

The transformation of these signs from innocent to offensive gestures illustrates how cultural interpretation can drastically alter the meaning of a simple hand movement. It underscores the importance of understanding local customs and the potential pitfalls of assuming that a gesture has a universal meaning. As societies evolve and interact, gestures can gain new layers of meaning, reflecting the complex web of human communication.

Navigating the labyrinth of international hand gestures is a bit like juggling flaming torches - one wrong move, and you’re in hot water. These seemingly innocent motions carry the weight of centuries-old traditions and taboos. It’s not just about waving hello or goodbye; it’s about ensuring you don’t accidentally provoke a riot. In a world where everyone is a critic, knowing your gestures can save you from becoming the unwitting star of a viral scandal.

The tales behind gestures like the "OK" sign, the "thumbs up," and the universally notorious "raised middle finger" are more than just cocktail party trivia - they’re survival guides. These gestures might seem harmless in one culture but can light a fuse in another. It’s kinda like we’re all carrying around a pocketful of cultural grenades, each one with a different fuse length. Misinterpret one, and you could be losing more than just your dignity.

So, as you pack your bags for the next exotic locale, remember - keep your hands to yourself unless you’re absolutely sure of what you’re trying to say. In the grand theater of global travel, even the smallest gesture can make or break your performance. Respect the silent signals, master the local lingo of limbs, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll avoid turning your dream vacation into a diplomatic disaster. Because let’s face it, nobody wants to be remembered as the tourist who inadvertently insulted an entire nation with a flick of the wrist.

What other gestures do you know that would be offensive in your culture but seem harmless abroad (and vice versa)? What stories do you have about misunderstandings and accidental insults? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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