Middle finger in different countries. Dangerous gestures in different countries

IN Everyday life we don't notice how much we gesture. For us, it's just a habit, so we don't think twice about showing something.

Once abroad, some of these habits can play a cruel joke on you. A harmless gesture can have an indecent or even offensive meaning to a person. Therefore, at first, until you become familiar with local customs, it is better to “keep your hands to yourself.”

Any communication begins with a greeting. We usually just say hello, and shaking hands is common among men around the world. However, in some parts of the world the traditions are still different, so be prepared for an unusual greeting if you find yourself in one of these states:

• : Your thumb may be grabbed.
• Muslim countries: There is a tradition among the stronger sex to grab each other around the waist.
• France: Kisses on the cheek from a complete stranger are possible.
• Lapland(part of Norway, Sweden and Finland): they rub noses when they meet.
• Asian countries: greeting by placing the palm of the hand.

Thumb gestures

Surely you remember that even in Ancient Rome the thumb summed up the results of gladiator fights. Therefore, until now, lowered down means dissatisfaction with something, and raised up means approval.

Giving someone a thumbs up can mean that everything is great, or it can even be a way of telling someone that they're doing great. But in some countries of the world this may be perceived differently:

• Germany: The average German will simply perceive the number “one”; such gestures are used when counting.
• Greece: A thumbs up indicates reluctance to continue the conversation further.
• Uruguay, Iran: may have an indecent meaning as it indicates a desire to commit acts of a sexual nature.
• USA: with a wave of the hand, they stop a taxi and catch rides with this gesture, and show approval with the OK sign.

Index finger gestures

Nature itself has given us a second finger in order to point something. For example, if you present it to your lips, you can silence the audience. To focus your attention on something, you just need to raise it. But among Muslims, the index finger raised up means that there is only one Allah, and he is in the sky.

The beckoning gesture we use to invite someone to approach us is considered offensive in many Asian countries. In the Philippines, for example, you can even be arrested for this.

An equally interesting gesture is the scrolling of this finger at the temple. If this makes it clear to us that you doubt mental abilities another person, it may have a different meaning in other countries:

• Holland: They will think that you are a gifted person and thus point to your intelligence.
• Italy: This is how the most eccentric people are identified.
• Argentina: this sign can be used to call you to the telephone.
• Peru: means being engaged in mental activity.

Raised middle finger

If it were not for American films, perhaps we would not even know about the meaning of this indecent gesture. However, middle finger signs have spread densely throughout the world. There are hardly any people for whom this gesture would mean something good. Most often, this is how an unpleasant conversation or unresolved dispute ends. In some countries it may be shown as a joke, in others it is considered extremely offensive.

For example, in Germany you can get a hefty fine for showing your middle finger.

As for Thailand and, there such a gesture can be understood as an opportunity to provide sexual services. So be careful.

An analogue of an indecent gesture is an arm bent at the elbow, with the palm of the other hand placed on the bend.

Two finger gesture, or V sign

If you ask what two fingers raised up, the index and middle fingers, mean, then the answers different nations world will be very different.

We use this symbol to represent the number 2. For the Germans, the gesture symbolizes victory, for the French it symbolizes peace. But a Greek and an Australian may be offended, because for them it means “get out.”

"Shish" in different countries

Its widespread use throughout the world has given this obscene gesture several names. For example, in our country it is also called “fig”, “dulya”, “kukish” and is safely considered an analogue of the American “f*ck”, only not so offensive. This three-finger design is rightfully the best argument in the argument.

But, again, its meaning is different countries may be perceived differently:

• Japan, China, Korea: perceived as an offer of sexual services.
• : Considered a threatening gesture.
• Türkiye: manifestation of aggression.
• Brazil: wishing good luck, protection from the evil eye.

Open palm gestures

Reminds me of a stop sign. If you see him on our road, it will really be a reason to stop. In other situations it can mean the number 5. Among many peoples it is used as an assurance of the truthfulness of one’s words during an oath.

But, for example, in Greece this gesture can seriously offend your interlocutor. The story begins in ancient times, when a person who committed a crime was marked on the face - this was done with the palm of his hand. Since then, this sign has been considered indecent among them.

"Yes" and "no" in different countries

In the standard understanding, nodding your head means “yes,” and moving it horizontally to the sides means “no.” However, there are peoples who have stood out here:

• Bulgaria: to say “yes”, you need to tilt your head left and right while looking straight; to answer “no”, sharply throw your head back.
• Greece: drawing an arc with the nose, while the head goes to the side, and then slightly upward - this is “yes”; tossing the head with a characteristic smacking sound - “no.”

In any case, when you are abroad, in an environment that is unusual for you, be attentive and pay close attention to the reactions of others to your actions. Well, if you came for adventure, forget about it altogether and enjoy the unexpected turns of fate.

When traveling to different countries, it is important to remember that not only what you say, but how and when you say it matters. It is also important what gestures you use. What is considered normal or even a friendly gesture in one culture may seem offensive and offensive in another. Therefore, if you are planning a trip to explore new countries, be prepared to encounter their unusual traditions.

Thumbs up!

One of the most popular gestures among travelers is the thumbs up. In America, for example, this sign has a very positive meaning - "ok, well done". It is often used by hitchhikers. It appeared back in Roman times, when at the end of gladiator fights the audience raised a finger up, which meant a desire to save the life of the gladiator, or vice versa - down, which meant a fatal outcome of the competition. But do not use this gesture in some parts of the Middle East, Mediterranean countries and South East Asia. This gesture in these countries may be perceived as somewhat rude "Up yours"(go away).

V-sign

The most seemingly peaceful sign can also cause some problems if used in the wrong place at the wrong time. Typically, people use it to mean "victory"(victory) or "peace"(world), or simply to indicate the number “two”. It was also used by Winston Churchill, speaking about the victory over fascism, and hippies made it their symbol, denoting world peace. But it's not that simple. If you arrive in one of English speaking countries such as Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia or Ireland, use this gesture correctly, i.e. the palm should be turned towards the interlocutor. If you turn it the other way - towards you, then this sign will already acquire opposite meaning — "screw you"(fuck off, got it, fuck you), which naturally can cause an appropriate reaction from the interlocutor.

Devil Horns

This gesture has different names. It is also called "heavy metal" for the addiction of hard rock lovers to this gesture or "Texas Longhorn", since it is also a symbol of the state of Texas. But in some countries, such as Cuba, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Brazil and Colombia, this gesture is shown to a man, meaning that he is a "cuckold" or, as they say in English, "cuckold", i.e. his wife is not faithful to him. Often, irritated drivers exchange such gestures in addition to expressive expressions showing their dissatisfaction. Although, remember that this gesture is very, very ambiguous. If, in addition to your index finger and little finger, you also raise your thumb, then this sign in the United States of America can mean words that do not require translation "I love you". The main thing is, don’t forget about your thumb, so that instead of a reciprocal declaration of love, you don’t run into rudeness.

Come here

Often people in different countries use gesture index finger calling someone to you. Of course, depending on the specific situation, this may be perceived as a romantic proposal, or it may also be somewhat humiliating. But who would have thought that this gesture could turn out to be criminal! If you decide to call a person to you in this way in the Philippines, you can easily end up in jail, since the legislation of the islands stipulates that this way can only be addressed to dogs, but not to people.

Everything's OK

If you like to emphasize words with gestures, and, when saying that everything is in order, you form the letter “o” with your index finger and thumb, then others will not always understand this gesture as "OK". This is acceptable in the United States, but it has other meanings in other countries. For example, in Brazil, Turkey and some Mediterranean countries, this gesture is perceived as “you are homosexual,” which can be very offensive to a person who is not. And in France and Belgium this gesture means that you perceive your interlocutor no more and no less than "zero", i.e. zero, which, you see, is also not very pleasant.

Stop!

Very often in the vast expanses of post-Soviet countries, people use a gesture with the entire palm with five fingers raised up to indicate the word “stop, stop.” You can even find old posters calling for a sober lifestyle depicting this gesture. But it cannot be called international, since in Greece, for example, this gesture calls not to stop, but, on the contrary, to go, but not in a very pleasant direction: "go to hell"(go to hell).

Tongue

Sticking out your tongue can sometimes cause unpleasant consequences. If in some countries this may be perceived simply as tomfoolery, in others it can be perceived as outright rudeness or even a violation of order. For example, in New Zealand, sticking out your tongue can mean a serious insult and threat. Well, in Australia you can get into a fight for this. In Italy, a few years ago, a farmer was convicted of sticking his tongue out at his neighbor and had to pay him compensation. If you show such a gesture to another driver on the roads in Germany, you can also get a fine.

It's interesting how people in different countries perceive sign language. Therefore, be extremely careful when choosing them. Sometimes it's better to say what you want in words. To do this, learn English with us. He will certainly never let you down.

Big and friendly EnglishDom family

When going on a trip to another country, people try to get to know its language, culture and customs better. But for comfortable communication, knowledge of the language is sometimes not enough, and then people remember about gestures!

Gestures are actively used for communication in every country. We reinforce the meaning of words with facial expressions, hand waves, and head movements.

Gestures in some parts of the world play a huge role in communication. Before traveling to another country, it is important to find out how they treat gestures and, especially, tactile contacts. After all, what is accepted in the UK can put you in an awkward position or even offend your interlocutor.

It is impossible to list all the gestures and their meanings in one article, but we decided to make an overview post about the main differences. If you are interested, we will write separately for each country.

Italy

In this country, they have long wanted to make sign language the state language. Italians love to gesture; there are about 250 different movements in their everyday life. In addition, Italians often reduce the distance between interlocutors and love tactile contact. There are even two groups of gestures - one can mean entire words and expressions, and the second - emotional condition person.

France

In this country, as in, sign language is also widespread, but not as actively. The French also love to gesture, and they have differences from accepted standards. For example, a ring of the index finger and thumb, which is recognized throughout the world as OK, is understood in France as “absolute zero”. And by pulling back the lower eyelid, the Frenchman shows that he does not believe his interlocutor.

Great Britain

The British are a reserved people, especially when it comes to tactile contacts. It should not be surprising that the inhabitants of this country do not wave their arms and, in general, stay at arm's length (about 50-60 cm). It is normal for British people not to express their emotions through facial expressions and gestures. However, there are some. For example, to indicate your skepticism about a situation, it is enough to raise your eyebrows.

USA

Progressive Americans have established an even greater distance - they communicate with each other at a distance of 90 cm. Although in nonverbal communication they do not skimp on gestures and actively use facial expressions. Unlike the British, they gesture more during conversations and smile constantly. For any reason you can be hugged and patted on the shoulder, and your hand is shaken at every meeting.

Greece

This state, like Italy, loves active waving of its arms. Greeks are an emotional people, so their conversation from the outside may seem like the beginning of a fight. But no, it’s the people of Greece who express their emotions this way. However, before the trip, it is worth remembering that gestures here have their own meanings. For example, the same OK sign made from the index finger and thumb in Greece is considered offensive and hints at gay men.

Germany

The Germans, like the British, do not particularly like tactile contact, so they try to keep their distance from the interlocutor. In general, you can simply behave with restraint, without being distracted by facial expressions and gestures. For residents of this country, such behavior is absolutely normal. It is interesting that as a sign of gratitude, the Germans do not applaud, but knock on some surface with their clenched fist.

China

The Chinese are stingy with gestures compared to the Italians or Greeks, especially in business communication. They respect maintaining distance and do not violate personal boundaries. Nevertheless, they are happy to shake hands with foreign guests, thereby showing respect for them. In return, you can greet the Chinese with their traditional gestures, such as shaking hands with yourself.

Japan

The Japanese also do not particularly welcome tactile contacts, so it is better not to actively express your emotions with them. Like the Chinese, they have their own set of etiquette rules, so it’s better to know them before your trip. For example, to indicate the direction, just clench your fist and point middle finger. For the Japanese this does not carry any insult. But to offend, it’s enough to show “don’t care.”

Türkiye

Facial expressions are actively used for communication. However, it is better for a tourist to first find out which body movement means what. The Turks have adopted their own system, which, if not known, can put a foreigner in an awkward position. For example, a thumbs up, which is usually used to catch a car in Europe, in Turkey means a hint of intimate relationships. And if you clench your fist and extend your little finger with your palm down, the interlocutor will understand that you are offended by him and do not want to communicate.

The meaning of the same gestures in different countries

1. OK. This sign, made from the index finger and thumb, in Europe means either “everything is in order” or “no problem.” But, in France and some Latin American countries, this is regarded as an indecent gesture. And in Turkey and Greece, “OK” towards a man can serve as an open accusation of gayness.
2. V. The index and middle finger signify victory in many countries. But in Ireland, Australia, Scotland, this sign is regarded as an insult, especially if the palm is turned towards oneself.
3. Handshake. Such a banal and simple gesture, widely used in greeting, is not used everywhere in the world. For example, in China and Japan it is not customary to greet in this way, except perhaps with foreign guests. It is customary to kiss on the cheek when meeting, and the number of kisses depends on the region of the country.
4. Nodding head. In most European countries and in Russia, nodding your head means agreement, but in Greece, Bulgaria and Albania, on the contrary, it means denial. Accordingly, shaking from side to side indicates agreement.
5. Thumb up. This sign in many countries shows that everything is fine, everything is fine. On the road you can use your thumb to stop a car, but this sign should not be used everywhere. In Turkey, Arab countries and in Greece this gesture is indecent and offensive.

Thus, before you start gesturing in a foreign country, you should first study the customs. At first, it is better not to resort to non-verbal methods of communication if you are not sure. After some time, local residents will help you get comfortable and understand the meaning of certain gestures.

Interesting? Should we make such articles for each country separately? We are waiting for your feedback in the comments!

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Every person in his life quite widely uses gestures, which are an integral part of communication. Any words are always accompanied by facial expressions and actions: hands, fingers, head. Different gestures in different countries are unique and interpreted in many ways. Just one sign or body movement, made without any malicious intent, can instantly destroy the fine line of understanding and trust.

Tactile contact is one of the means of communication

In different countries it is interesting for many. It was most actively mastered by the French and Italians, who accompany almost every word with facial expressions, waves of their hands, and finger movements. The most common form of communication is tactile contact (that is, touching), which is simply unacceptable in some cultures. Thus, in England, touching is not accepted in principle, and interlocutors try to maintain an “arm’s length” distance between themselves. Only in Cambridge is it permissible to shake hands: at the beginning and at the end of the study period. For a German, the distance customary in England is too small, so a German resident will move another half step away from his interlocutor. Residents Saudi Arabia communicate, practically breathing in each other's faces, and in Latin America any speech is reinforced with a tangential movement.

Nod of the head: polarity of meanings of this gesture

The meaning of gestures differs radically in different countries. Those that have a familiar meaning for us are interpreted completely differently on the other side of the planet. For example, in Russia and European countries, an affirmative nod of the head with the meaning “yes” in India, Greece, Bulgaria means denial, and vice versa: turning the head from side to side in these countries is an affirmation. By the way, in Japan “no” is expressed by shaking the palms from side to side, Neapolitans express disagreement by lifting their heads up and sticking out their lips disapprovingly, and in Malta it looks like touching the chin with the fingertips with the hand turned forward.

Sign language in different countries interprets a shrug, oddly enough, almost everywhere in the same way: uncertainty and misunderstanding.

By twirling their index finger at their temple, Russians and French express the stupidity of their interlocutor or confirm the nonsense and nonsense uttered by his lips. In Spain, the same gesture will indicate distrust of the speaker, and in Holland, on the contrary, his wit. An Englishman will interpret movements at the temple as “live with your mind”; in Italy this will indicate a friendly disposition towards the interlocutor.

Thumb movements

In America, raised up, it is used when trying to catch a passing car. Its second meaning, known to everyone, is “everything is fine”, “super!”, “great!”. In Greece, this gesture strongly rudely recommends silence. Therefore, an American trying to catch a passing car on a Greek road will look rather ridiculous. In Saudi Arabia, this gesture, accompanied by a rotating movement of the thumb, has a more offensive interpretation and means “get out of here.” An Englishman and an Australian will perceive this sign as a sexual insult; Arabs associate it with a phallic symbol. The thumb in conjunction with other gestures denotes power and superiority. It is also used in situations when a certain authority is trying to show his own advantage over others, whom he is simply ready to crush with his finger. Thus, gestures in different countries of the world carry completely different meanings and can inadvertently offend the interlocutor.

The Italians interpret this finger interestingly: it is a starting point. For Russians and Englishmen it will be the fifth, and counting begins with the index finger.

The multifaceted meaning of the universally understandable “okay”

A world-famous sign formed by the index and thumb in the form of the number zero, has been around for over 2,500 years. The “okay” gesture in different countries differs in its semantic decoding and has many meanings:

• “everything is fine”, “okay” - In the USA and a number of other countries;
• “dummy”, “zero” - in Germany and France;
• "money" - in Japan;
• “go to hell” - in Syria;
• “I will kill you” - in Tunisia;
• fifth point - in Brazil;
• homosexuals - in the countries of the Mediterranean basin;
• just an indecent gesture - in Portugal.

In ancient times, this sign was considered a symbol of love, depicting kissing lips. It also awarded an eloquent speaker for an apt statement or a subtle aphorism. Then this gesture was forgotten and acquired a new birth in the 19th century in America, denoting the modern “everything is fine.” The difference in gestures in different countries was the reason for the precedent that occurred in Germany, when one driver showed the “okay” sign from the window of his car to a policeman he was passing by. The latter was offended and filed a lawsuit against the offender. The judge, after studying various literature, acquitted the driver. The motivation was the double meaning of this sign, acceptable in Germany. And everyone is free to interpret the sign shown in their own way, since the meaning of gestures is unique in different countries. We must always remember this.

V is for Victory

Different gestures in different countries highlight the world famous V-shaped sign, which gained popularity during the Second World War with a touch of Winston Churchill. On an outstretched hand, with the back of the hand turned towards the speaker, it means “victory.” If the hand is positioned differently, the gesture is offensive and means “shut up.”

A little about indecent gestures

The designation of gestures in different countries sometimes has such opposite meanings that one can only be amazed at the imagination of the residents. The fig, familiar to everyone since childhood, was successfully used in ancient times. Japanese women, expressing their consent to serve a client, used this particular gesture. For the Slavs, he acted as a talisman against evil spirits, damage and evil eye. Modern ethnoscience perceives a combination of three fingers the same way as in the old days, and even treats stye on the eye with it. Although the general understanding of this gesture is offensive.

In Asia, beckoning with the index finger is perceived as indecent gestures. In different countries they are interpreted as a request to come closer (to come closer). For Filipinos, this is a humiliation for which they can be arrested, since this treatment is only appropriate in relation to a dog.

The most obscene and recognizable gesture, which has existed since ancient times, is the raised middle finger, which corresponds to a very indecent curse. This is the male genital organ, and the pressed adjacent fingers are the scrotum.

The crossed index and middle fingers represent the female genital organs, and in the West they are used as protection against the evil eye.

Interesting gestures in different countries of the world, inviting the interlocutor to drink. In Russia, this is the well-known snap of fingers on the throat, and for this, a Frenchman must scratch there with his thumb and forefinger.

A truly French gesture

The same Frenchman (Mexican, Italian, Spaniard), if he wants to indicate a certain sophistication and sophistication, brings the joined tips of three fingers to his lips and, raising his chin high, sends air kiss. This is his way of expressing admiration. Moreover, this sign is as familiar to residents of these countries as a nod of the head is to the Slavs.

Rubbing the base of the nose with the index finger indicates doubtfulness and a suspicious attitude towards the interlocutor. In Holland, this gesture will indicate a person’s intoxication; in England, it will indicate secrecy and conspiracy. In Spain, touching your earlobe with a finger is considered offensive; it means “there is a gay among us.” In Lebanon, this phrase is interpreted as simply scratching the eyebrows.

As a sign of enthusiasm for someone's idea, a German will raise his eyebrows in admiration. The Englishman will perceive this gesture as a skeptical attitude towards his words. But by knocking himself on the forehead, he will show satisfaction with himself, with his own intelligence. The representative of Holland has the same gesture, only with the index finger extended upward, indicating satisfaction with the interlocutor’s mind. If the index finger is pointed to the side, then the dialogue partner is, to put it mildly, a blockhead.

Different countries have amazing interpretations. Thus, in Russia, two index fingers extended and rubbing against each other signify “a couple getting along well,” while in Japan the same gesture expresses the intractability of the problem being discussed with the interlocutor.

Warning signs

Different gestures in different countries are quite extravagant. For example, if a passer-by in Tibet sticks out his tongue, you should not take this situation seriously. negative side. It just means, “I'm not plotting anything against you. Stay calm".

"Caution" sign in Italy and Spain it is expressed by pulling back the lower eyelid with the index finger of the left hand. If a resident of England decides to teach someone a lesson, he will raise two fingers joined together, which will mean this intention. In America, this gesture will be perceived differently - as the coherence of the actions of two people, their unity.

A boat-shaped palm in Italy symbolizes a question and a call for explanation, in Mexico it is an offer to pay for valuable information.

The combination of the index finger and little finger, forming “horns”, will be perceived by the French as a statement of the infidelity of his half, and for the Italians this gesture is considered a talisman against the evil eye, in Colombia - a wish of good luck. The goat sign is an international symbol of metalheads.

A zigzag movement of the index finger in India will expose a person to a lie he is telling.

The attitude of different cultures towards the placement of hands is interesting. Thus, in the Middle East, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Africa and Indonesia left hand It is considered dirty, so under no circumstances should you use it to hand someone money, food, gifts, or eat food. You need to be careful with your hands in your trouser pockets. In Argentina this is considered indecent. In Japan, you cannot tighten your belt in public, as this may be perceived as the beginning of hara-kiri.

Welcome ethics

Greeting gestures are also unique in different countries. The first thing you do when meeting is to say your last name. In Japan, the name is not used even in informal meetings. A ceremonial bow with folded palms on the chest is required. The deeper it is, the more respect is expressed to the guest. In Spain, greetings, in addition to the usual handshake, are often accompanied by wild expressions of joy and hugs.

In Lapland, people rub noses when greeting each other.

Saying goodbye also differs from culture to culture. Italians, giving a hand, will gladly slap a person on the back, thereby showing their affection for him; in France, this gesture means “get out and never come here again.”

Gestures when saying goodbye

In Latin America, people say goodbye by waving their palms invitingly, which in Russia is perceived as an invitation to come over. When parting, Europeans raise their palms up and move their fingers. When saying goodbye, residents take the hand of the person leaving in their hands, bring it to their lips and blow lightly on it.

Now regarding gifts. In China, it is customary to accept them with both hands, otherwise it will be regarded as disrespect. It is advisable to unwrap the gift in front of the person giving it and be sure to bow, thus expressing gratitude. You cannot give a watch that symbolizes death, and the packaging in which the gift is wrapped should not be white. In Japan, on the contrary, it is customary to unwrap gifts at home, so as not to embarrass the person due to the possible modesty of the offering.

A smile is the most “convertible” gesture

Nonverbal communication (body language) consists of the wordless exchange of information using facial expressions or gestures and allows a person to express his thoughts as effectively as possible. in different countries they are characterized by different semantic loads. The only universal tool that allows you to win over your interlocutor is a smile: sincere and open. Therefore, using different gestures in different countries, it is always worth “taking” this magical remedy with you on the road.

Here are 10 common gestures that may seem rude abroad.

The "Victoria" gesture, which is made with the index and middle finger of the hand in the shape of a V, signifies victory or peace in many countries. However, if the palm is facing the person, then in the UK, Ireland and Australia the V-shape becomes an offensive gesture, which is the non-verbal equivalent of the phrase "fuck off!" .

The outstretched palm, often used to say "stop", takes on a different meaning in Greece. Palms facing the other person, called "muntsa", is an offensive gesture. It is used when they want to express extreme indignation or, roughly speaking, “send” the interlocutor away.

This gesture remains from Byzantine times, when smoke was smeared on the face of a criminal to make him an object of ridicule.

This gesture of agreement and approval often erases language barriers, and lovers of hitchhiking use it on the road. However, in Thailand it is a sign of condemnation. Although the gesture itself is rather childish, like sticking out your tongue, it should be avoided. In Iran, this is considered an offensive gesture, the equivalent of which is sticking out the middle finger.

The beckoning sign with your index finger that says "come to me" is taboo in Asian countries. In the Philippines, this gesture is only appropriate in relation to dogs and indicates that you consider the other person inferior to you. Using this gesture may result in arrest in this country.

Patting a child's head is usually a gesture of friendliness and affection. However, in the Buddhist religion the crown of the head is highest point body, that is, the place where the soul lives. Touching the top of the head is an aggressive invasion of the space of a child or adult. This gesture should be avoided in countries where the majority of people profess the Buddhist religion.

Ring made of large and index finger"OK" meaning "everything is fine!" or "correct", in French means "zero" or "worthless". In Greece and Turkey, this gesture is very vulgar, meaning a similar hole in the human body or serves as a hint of homosexuality. In some Middle Eastern countries, such as Kuwait, "OK" means evil eye.

The gesture “fig”, “shish” or “kukish” is not entirely harmless and is often used in cases of refusal or disagreement. In Brazil, it is a more benevolent gesture, used to wish good luck and protect against the evil eye. In Turkey it has an aggressive and rude character, the equivalent of which is the middle finger.

In many countries, people do not pay attention to which hand they use to offer something to other people. However, in India, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East, the left hand is considered "dirty", intended for wiping in the toilet. Even a left-handed person should eat right hand, since only it is considered suitable for eating. The same applies to shaking hands and passing objects.

In Japan, giving with both hands is considered polite, while a one-handed gesture can imply disdain.

In many Western countries people cross their index and middle fingers for good luck or to ward off the evil eye. In Vietnam, this gesture is offensive, especially if you address it to another person. Crossed fingers are believed to represent the female genitals.

The “goat” gesture, or as it is also called “horns”, “fingering” or “crown”, is often used by musicians and their fans. However, this gesture should not be shown in Italy, especially to a man, as it hints at his wife’s infidelity (“cuckolding”).

This is the most famous and recognizable obscene gesture in the whole world, which is English language corresponds to the curse word "Fuck You" ("fuck you...!"). In addition, this is one of the most ancient gestures, which was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as by monkeys.
Roughly speaking, the raised middle finger symbolizes the phallus, and the pressed fingers symbolize the scrotum. By showing it, you seem to be offering the other person a “male genital organ” or rudely refusing the request. Also analogous to this gesture is the elbow gesture, when the left hand is placed in the crook of the right hand.

In Asian countries, however, the middle finger is sometimes used to point at something.