Hand Gestures and their Meanings
Hand gestures are unspoken means of communication. The movement of hand and fingers have particular meanings and notations although non verbal and above all, they are interesting. Read this article and know the most common hand gestures and their meanings.
Mariah exclaimed in joy and her supporters cheered ‘viva’ ‘viva’ to her. She bounced with excitement and her fingers resembling the alphabet ‘V’ was enough to proclaim her victory.
That’s the vista of hand gestures. Hand gestures are body actions, that can communicate your messages, unspoken words or any thoughts you want to express to others. Along with movements of hands there are also significant changes in facial expression and movement of other body parts. Hand gestures have different meanings and they are also emblematic for particular religion and cultural settings. Each movement has unique meaning and it might be complement or offense. Go through the following content to understand the common hand gestures and their meanings in broader sense.
Famous Hand Gestures There are different hand gestures around the world. Different countries practice different types of hand gestures that can vary from each other. The meanings can be different in the US while hand gestures and their meanings in other countries can have their own symbol and interpretation. But there are a few hand gestures that are universally followed and acknowledged. The list is cited down. Read more about body language gestures
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Victory or Viva – The ‘V’
In the US, ‘victory’ symbol was expressed by raising the index and middle finger in the form of ‘V’ and bending the third and fourth finger to touch the tip of the thumb. This symbol was popularized by Richard Nixon in America. Anti -Vietnam protesters used it during the 60s, as a sign of peace and love. The ‘V’ sign is considered rude in Italy and if you are showing the outside of your hand, then it is a form insult, as established in Great Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
OK or A-OK – The Circle
OK is a positive symbol of hand gesture. It implies touching the tip of the thumb with the tip of index finger together. The other three fingers of the hand remain behind and above the index finger. This hand gesture in the US means ‘great’ or ‘absolutely fine’. The meaning of this symbol is absolute contrary in Europe. There, it signifies an insulting overtone and they interpret that you consider them zero and insignificant. In Brazil and Germany, this symbol signifies slang and homosexual individual.
Stop or Stay – The Front Palm In the United Stated, ‘stop’ is depicted by putting the hand palm outwards with all fingers pointing upward. These hand gestures also have other meanings like, ‘stay away’ or ‘talk to the hand’. This hand gesture, in Malaysia is used to call waiters or get their attention to say something. You might also be keen to know about body language signs
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Pointing Fingers – The Fingers
Pointing fingers normally mean referring someone or something. Extending the index finger to point something is the most common hand gesture. Even babies use this gesture to express their need. Pointing fingers can also be a means to place blame on someone. Finger pointing is one of the most obscene hand gestures in the Western world. Index finger when sometimes replaced with the middle finger, is one of the most universally understood hand gesture in the world, owing to its sexual disgrace.
Finger Beckoning – Curling the Index
Movements of hands and fingers is always considered as symbols of beckoning. Curling of index finger few times, means calling someone or seeking someone’s attention. In the US it is used to summon waiters in restaurants or can even be a seductive gesture. In Japan it is considered rude. In Singapore curling index fingers means the most contrary, it represents death.
Thumbs Up or Down – The Thumb
When you extend your thumb into the air and curling the rest fingers inward, it has a generic meaning for ‘well done’ or ‘things are great’. In the Western culture, it is a positive and informal sign. In the Middle East, Latin America, Greece, Russia and West Africa, thumbs-up is in total contradiction. Showing this hand gesture means insulting others. Thumbs Down signifies non acceptance, failure and rejection.
Fingers Crossing – Cris Cross Middle and Index
Crossing fingers signifies good luck. It implies crossing the first two fingers of either hands. Its universally accepted hand gesture. It is also a gesture for good fortune and positive hope. In Christianity, crossing fingers also signify the ‘sure-fire way of defeating demons’. In folklores, some consider it as symbol of ‘lies’.
Read more on body language from the following articles:
- Reading People by Body Language
- Interpreting Body Language
- Body Language Explained
I hope you can now understand the different hand gestures and their meanings. If you want to communicate something, always be sure of the meaning of the gesture and then make an effort. Well check out then, the ‘HORN’ or ‘CORNA’ of rock and heavy metal bands, hip hop and rap. I’m sure it’s known to everyone.
