What does the thumb and forefinger gesture mean. What do the signs on the fingers mean? Fingers folded into a ring, or "OK"

In most cases, a person complements his speech with gestures. Often we make movements involuntarily, that is, without thinking about their meaning. In addition, with the help of gestures, you can find out information of interest from a foreign citizen, for example, while traveling. In this article, we will look at what popular finger gestures mean.

Meanings of gestures

Victoria

The V-shaped gesture is shown with the index and middle fingers. The sign means "peace" and "victory". However, in a number of states (Great Britain, Ireland, Australia), the gesture is offensive if the palm is turned towards the person.

Munza

Gesture in the form of an outstretched palm. Usually indicates a request to stop.

In Greece, this gesture is considered offensive.

OK

The ring-shaped gesture, which is formed by connecting the index and thumb, means "everything is in order."

In the capital of Italy, the sign means "worthless". And in Japan, the gesture means "money."

Thumb up and down

A thumbs up signifies agreement and approval. Often the sign is used while hitchhiking to catch a car.

In Thailand, this gesture is a sign of condemnation. And in Iran, a raised thumb is considered an offensive gesture.

If the thumb is directed downward, then this sign has the meaning of disapproval.

Forefinger

The index finger is used for one gesture or another, depending on the situation. For example, if you put your finger to your lips, then the sign will mean "silence".

If the finger is raised up, then this means "attention" or "stop".

If the interlocutor shakes his index finger from side to side, then he does not agree with what was said. A slightly tilted swinging finger is used for teaching (for example, when scolding children).

If you twist your finger at the temple, it means to recognize the interlocutor "crazy".

Middle finger

A protruding middle finger is an offensive gesture in many countries. The sign can be replaced with a less coarse fig.

Fig

Or, in other words, a fig - a gesture in the form of a fist, where the thumb is stuck between the index and middle. It is used in cases of disagreement with the interlocutor. Failure also matters.

Another sign is often used as "protection" from the evil eye.

In South America, the gesture is considered friendly and is used to wish good luck.

Crossing fingers

In many countries, crossing the index and middle fingers is used to attract good luck.

In Vietnam, this sign is offensive.

Goat

A popular sign among rock musicians, which looks like a raised index finger and little finger.

In Russia, small children are entertained with this gesture, associating the sign with the "horned goat".

However, in some countries in Europe, including America, the sign means "cuckold".

In Colombia, this sign is shown if they want to wish good luck.

Shaka

The type of gesture is a raised thumb and little finger. Often the gesture denotes a "telephone receiver" and is shown when a person asks to call him.

In Hawaii, the gesture is a sign of greeting. And among drug addicts, the sign means "smoke".

Spire

The gesture looks like the connected fingertips. Confident people use it. Usually the sign is used by people who are more inclined to talk than gesticulate.

Often, the speaker puts the spire with his fingers up, and the listener, on the contrary, down.

Closed thumb and forefinger

This gesture is used when you need to focus on something. The sign often complements speech. The narrator at this moment wants the listener to understand the essence of his words.

Rubbing the tips of others with your thumb

In this case, the gesture means "money".

Sometimes the sign is used when trying to remember an event or word. If the result is positive, the sign changes with a click.

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Before using any finger shape in conversation, think about what it can mean. This is important for your own safety. In each country, there are many different options for the interpretation of such symbols. It depends on the history of the country and on religion, and on the traditions that have developed over the years. Gesture: Three fingers up is equally likely to be a greeting or an insult.

What does the "three fingers up" gesture mean?

In gestures three-fingered it's important to know, which fingers are raised up... So, if three fingers are directed upwards in order, starting with the thumb, then the meaning of this sign is as follows:

1. Serbs used it as a greeting in the nineteenth century;
2. Three fingers symbolizes the Holy Trinity and, accordingly, Orthodoxy;
3. In paganism, it is a symbol of fidelity;
4. Nazis from different countries used it for greeting and as an oath of allegiance.

In the case when raised up average, nameless fingers and little finger, and the thumb and forefinger are folded into a ring:

• For Americans and most people in other countries, it means that everything is fine;
• In Japan, it is a symbol of money.

Symbol with sticking out index and average fingers and little fingers has a sexual connotation and primarily symbolizes the superiority of the showing and the desire to humiliate the opponent.

Shaka gesture: what is it?

This symbol is based on two protruding fingers:

1. Big;
2. Little finger.

According to one of the legends, this sign appeared as a result of an accident with one Hawaiian youth, who lost all fingers on his right hand, except for these two. When meeting with familiar people, he greeted them by raising his palm up with outstretched fingers. And so the symbol spread to other parts of the world.

In the historical homeland of this symbol, it was given the meaning of a greeting and an invitation to relax, move away from the hustle and bustle, and look around. By showing this symbol, they seem to tell us that everything is fine.

In other countries, interpretations are different:

• On the territory of the former USSR, the gesture was used as an invitation to drink strong drinks;
• If the thumb is pressed to the lips, this indicates a desire to take drugs;
• With the thumb resting on the ear, the interlocutor wants or plans to call you.

Thus, this gesture does not carry a special mystical background, however, it can also be perceived ambiguously, like all others.

Gesture: two fingers raised up

Speaking about this symbol, most often we mean a sign in the form of the English letter V. For the first time this gesture was used by the leader of England after the victory over fascism. As a result, the sign spread throughout the world as a designation of an undeniable victory.

However, in addition to this common meaning, there are others:

1. In countries such as Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, when this sign is shown with the back of the hand turned to the interlocutor, it is considered hostile and even rude;
2. It has the meaning of the number "2" or the Latin "5";
3. Used for greeting;
4. It has become often used when a person rejoices at his achievements and shares his joy in others.

There is a legend about the origin of this sign, according to which, during the hundred-year war between the British and the French, the prisoners of the British wars were chopped off two of these fingers, depriving them of the opportunity to work. In response, before the battle, the British sought to show the enemy this symbol in every possible way, demonstrating that they were healthy and could overthrow the French army.

However, there is an opinion that this could not really be, since the French did not take prisoners, and the story itself was composed in the eighties of the twentieth century.

Kukish: significance in different countries

The most common in our country is the figure of three fingers in the form blew or fig... Its meaning is clear to all of us. However, in other countries, this sign should not always be used as an extreme argument in a dispute, since you can not only offend the interlocutor, but also put yourself in an awkward position:

1. Germans take this sign as an invitation to intimacy;
2. Eastern countries such as Japan or China consider it to be the designation for the phallus;
3. Hindus will see it as a threat from you;
4. But in Brazil and Portugal, according to popular beliefs, this symbol brings good luck and protects from evil spirits.

Protruding fingers - index and pinky (goat)

The fingers sticking out in this design have a versatile interpretation, it has the colloquial name "goat". At different times and in different territories, different properties were prescribed for this sign:

• In the Soviet Union, this gesture was often used by crime bosses to indicate their superiority over other people. He came from places of detention and was considered indecent and humiliating;
• In rock culture, this symbol was first used by the singer Dio. He spied this variation of fingers from his grandmother, who thus drove away the adverse effects of suspicious people from her family and home. Rockers picked it up and in the subculture this gesture was entrenched as an approval of the artist's activities;
• Also, this sign has a mystical meaning. In ancient times, in the territories of Europe and Asia, amulets with this sign were often worn, hoping that it would protect them from the evil eye or evil influence;
• Even in a more ancient era, such a folding of the fingers was used by Greek and Roman orators. In their opinion, he had a great impact on the audience and was used when necessary to express an important thought and partly to instill it in the minds of the audience;
• In icon painting, the gesture is used to convey direct speech, the purpose of which is to communicate the good news;
• In sign language translation in Russian, the gesture means the letter "Y", in American - a declaration of love;
• In sports, it is used to send special signals to teammates, most often used in baseball.

Thus, the sign "goat" is versatile and has many meanings. Unfortunately, many people are not well enough enlightened in this area and, having seen such a gesture, may perceive it from an offensive or negative side.

Thus, in order to better understand the interlocutor, look at his hands. The gestures with which he appeals can bring you quite a lot of information about which the person will not say anything out loud.

Themselves, be careful when using any non-verbal signs, as the harmless, in your opinion, gesture "three fingers up" can bring you a lot of trouble if it is misinterpreted by the interlocutor.

Video: 7 Gestures You Shouldn't Show in Other Countries

In this video, Roman Tolovanov will tell you for what gestures in other countries you can be beaten or even sent to prison:

In everyday life, people constantly accompany their speech with hand movements and facial expressions. Most often this happens unconsciously, but sometimes gestures are used deliberately to enhance the emotional-expressive coloring of words, to demonstrate their mood, attitude to the situation or the interlocutor. Having studied some of the finger gestures and their meaning, one can concisely formulate a message, quickly convey it to others, as the deaf and dumb do. Let's consider the most common signs, and also explain their meaning.

Thumb up and down

With a gesture thumb up everyone is familiar almost from childhood. Usually it symbolizes approval or agreement, accompanied by a corresponding nod, therefore it is always perceived positively in our country. Often used by voting travelers on the road when traffic stops. However, you need to be careful when talking with your fingers with foreigners, because in the sign language of the inhabitants of Australia, Greece and the UK, such a sign is regarded as an obscene expression, and among the Arabs it is generally associated with the male genital organ.

When thumb down, the gesture takes on the opposite meaning - that is, an expression of dissatisfaction, dissatisfaction. Today he is reflected in social networks and the YouTube channel. The pictogram depicting him is called "dislike".

Forefinger

The next gesture is not so unambiguous and is deciphered depending on the situation, taking into account additional signals. This is the index finger up. There are several options for its interpretation:

• applied to the center of the lips - asked to observe silence;
• raised vertically at head level or higher - require attention or stop immediately;
• move them from side to side - express their disagreement or prohibition;
• swing up and down - teach or threaten with punishment;
• twisted at the temple - show that the person is out of his mind.

According to his position during a conversation, they determine whether a person is telling the truth or lying. If, for example, the eyes look in one direction, and the index finger is pointed in the other and slightly bent, then the interlocutor is most likely insincere.

Middle finger up

Ever since the days of ancient Rome, in almost all civilized countries, the meaning of the middle finger gesture had an indecent and offensive character. Stretched up, it symbolizes the male genital organ today. This is a rough form of "Get out!" or "Fuck off!" among young people. In our country, it is borrowed from cool American action films and vulgar youth comedies 18+.

Crossing fingers

The hand is very often used by superstitious people as a magical tool that can scare away evil spirits and attract good luck. In their understanding, crossed fingers (index and middle) have a protective power. This gesture means the unity of faith and strength, associated with the cross. One of the fingers symbolizes hope for a better outcome, and the other - help and support. Sometimes they are intertwined on both hands and hidden behind their backs in order to lie, but at the same time to avoid the punishment of higher powers.

Research by British scientists from University College shows that such actions are not unfounded. They even found scientific confirmation. In their opinion, the gesture really helps to relieve pain. But do not try to show him to the Vietnamese, if you do not want to greatly offend him.

Two Thumbs Up V - Victory

In Russia and many other European countries, the gesture of two fingers with an open palm means absolute victory or confidence in the proximity of its achievement. This is due to the fact that the index and middle fingers, directed in height, are similar to the letter V. That, in turn, is an abbreviation of the Latin word Victoria - victory. For the first time in the world, the sign was used by Winston Churchill. However, it is also not universal for everyone. The British, Australians and New Zealanders will consider the gesture an insult if the hand is turned with the back to them. In Russia, this option is interpreted as the number 2.

Three fingers up

It is known that during the Second World War, German soldiers greeted the commander-in-chief during the oath, showing at the same time three fingers - large, forefinger and middle. In the concept of a Russian, this sign means a number or quantity 3.

Goat

Few people know that protective properties are attributed to the gesture in which all fingers are clenched into a fist, except for the index and little fingers, therefore it is often used by magicians when performing mystical rituals. However, thanks to rock stars, he is more familiar to people as a "rocker goat". In combination with a protruding tongue, it expresses insolence or a state of madness.

In Russia, “goat” can be deciphered to demonstrate its power and superiority over others. Also serves as a comic imitation of a butting cattle.

Shaka and tongue between fingers

A hand clenched into a fist with a protruding thumb and little finger near the ear is associated by many with a telephone conversation, a request or a promise to call back. But if the action is accompanied by a characteristic tilt of the head or touching the little finger to the lips, then it takes on a different meaning associated with the call to drink alcoholic beverages, the use of narcotic cigarettes.

In Hawaii, "Shaka" is perceived as a sign of greeting. It is popular with athletes surfing, skydiving and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It is also used to express jubilation by some famous soccer players who have scored a goal.

OK

The generally accepted meaning of a gesture is to notify others that there are no problems and everything is in order. Favorite sign among residents. However, in Turkey, it is offensive to the person to whom it is addressed, as it implies an accusation of non-traditional sexual orientation.

Fig or fig

For Russians, a twisted fist with a thumb sticking out between the other two is a contemptuous form of refusal. In ancient Russia, the fig symbolized coitus, could be used to scare away evil spirits. There are several other names - shish, fig, dul. But if for a resident of Russia it means an insult, mockery, then for a Brazilian it means protection from the evil eye or a talisman to attract good luck. That is why there you can find pendants, pendants and figurines depicting a fig.

Spire folded with fingertips

As noted by psychologists, balanced personalities, confident in their strengths and self-competence, connect the tips of their fingers with a "house". A spire can mean reflection at the moment of making an important decision or demonstrate an increased interest in the words of the interlocutor.

In the practice of yogis, the fingertips closed in rings help meditate, find peace, and focus on the main thing.

Rubbing the tips of others with your thumb

Such manipulation can be seen in films of a criminal nature. It means banknotes that are virtually crunchy in the hand. Such a gesture is also used at a time when it is necessary to clarify one's thought, to urgently remember something, but it does not work out in any way.

Clasped fingers

Hands clenched into a lock serve as a kind of psychological barrier. They can inform about various conditions of a person:

• on the head - experience, confusion, shock;
• on the knees - hidden tension, stiffness;
• in front of you, while the head is directed upwards - an expression of distrust in the information provided, disagreement with the expressed opinion.

Agreeing with a business partner whose fingers are tightly locked in a lock is very difficult. To make him relax, you need to invite him to watch something, and then try to discuss the issue again.

In most countries, the extended palm means stop. In conversation, the gesture formulates a request to stop, to stop doing something.

It is also a sign of greeting people and goodbye to them. Depends on what the situation is. However, the Greeks use such friendly fingers to express negative emotions. Namely - the desire to move in the face. They have this manipulation called mundza, has a funny history of occurrence. So, at the dawn of the Byzantine Empire, the judge had a way of humiliating punishment for petty criminals - to smear ashes on the face of the offender.

Index finger beckoning gesture

With a bent finger extended forward, most often people call to themselves the one with whom they want to sort things out. It is perceived by a person jokingly, but sometimes it can offend. It is a sign of a lack of culture among those who apply it.

Fist

A fist clenching shows strong tension, a willingness to repel an opponent's attack, and also signifies an open threat, the intention to punch in the face. Symbolizes power.

Russian and English alphabet with gestures

The language of the deaf and dumb is the main way they interact with the outside world. It allows people with hearing and speech impairments to communicate. Each gesture corresponds to a letter of the alphabet or a word. This can be more clearly presented in the form of a table.

As you can see, the same gestures can be interpreted in different ways. This is why they should be interpreted in the system and not individually. And only apply when appropriate.

"Goat", also known under the names "horns", "horns", "folding", "horseshoe" - a gesture in the form of the little finger and index finger, pointing forward, while the middle and ring fingers are pressed to the palm. The gesture is shaped like the head of a horned animal.

The values

The gesture meanings are varied:

Ancient oratory

The goat gesture is a classic gesture of ancient Greek and Roman orators. It is described in the most complete antique textbook of oratory "Education of the orator" (lat. "Institutio oratoria") Fabius Marcus Quintilian. Among the nine oratorical gestures described by Quintilian, this is the second gesture used by rhetoricians. Two fingers: the middle and ring fingers were bent under the thumb, and the index and little fingers were stretched; about this sign, Quintilian says that it is a more imperative gesture than the previous one, at the beginning of speeches and not going through the narratives.

Mystical

The gesture of the index finger and little finger is considered a magic sign that protects against evil. Used by superstitious people both in Europe and Asia, for protection from the evil eye and witches, as an analogue of spitting over the shoulder. In this capacity, the "goat" is mentioned in Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula":

Alexander Green also mentions this method of protection in the story "Talkative Brownie", calling it "jettature". (Contrary to Greene, jettatura (it., Fr. And ger. jettatura, from obsolete. it. getta tura- "to cast a glance") was not called a gesture, but actually the "evil eye" itself).

Also, amulets were made in the form of a hand folded "goat", which were worn around the neck to protect against the evil eye. In Italian they are called corno(horns) or mano cornuto... One of its names "horns of Asmodeus" is also associated with the attributed protective properties of the gesture.

Hindus use mudras in their rituals - gestures that are considered magical. Some of them look like a "goat", especially the karana mudra. The purpose of this mudra is the same as that of the European gesture: to scare away evil spirits.

Subcultural

Popularized by singer Ronnie James Dio (Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, Heaven & Hell), "Rocker Goat" is often used by representatives of various musical subcultures as a sign of approval for a performer. Especially known among rockers and metalheads. Dio was taught this gesture by his superstitious Italian grandmother. According to Ronnie's recollections, she folded this sign if she met gypsies and other suspicious people, and explained to her grandson that this protects against "Malocchio" (malocchio), "Evil eye". The gesture looked good at concerts combined with the mystical lyrics of Black Sabbath. In addition to Dio, Gene Simmons from Kiss and members of Parliament-Funkadelic used this gesture on their covers around the same time, but it was Dio who showed the "goat" at concerts, who managed to consolidate the tradition and make it one of the symbols of heavy metal.

In the classic, medieval version of the "goat" to protect against evil, the middle, ring and thumb were squeezed together. Dio showed the "goat" in this way (see photo). Modern metalworkers often make the “wrong” gesture: the thumb does not press against the others, but remains out to the side. In addition, modern metalworkers often make this gesture with the palm facing themselves (with the back of the palm facing the viewer).

Offensive

"Raspaltsovka" was used by the new Russians as a sign of their own superiority. Its main difference from the rocker "goat" is that the index finger and little finger "look" forward, while in the "rocker" version the fingers are directed upward. This gesture was borrowed by them from hooligans and criminals, among whom it initially meant a threat to gouge out their eyes.

In a number of southern European countries, this sign ( corna) is considered an offensive hint that the person to whom it is shown is a "cuckold".

Other

In Christian culture, in particular in iconography, the gesture is used to convey direct speech that carries the good news. This gesture in Christianity originates from the Hellenistic ancient culture, where it was used in oratory to accompany the speeches of Greek and Roman orators.

In American Sign Language, replaces the Latin letter "Y"... Used in a phrase I love you(I love you), which is rendered as ILY, which is why some people associate "goat" with a declaration of love. This "goat" is distinguished by the thumb set aside. In Russian sign language, it is used to denote a letter "NS", in French Sign Language it stands for the letter H.

In sports, the gesture is sometimes used by baseball and volleyball players to signal signals. Athletes from the University of Texas at Austin University team, whose mascot is a bull, have made "horns" their traditional greeting. The gesture is accompanied by the motto "Hook'em horns" (from English - "Hook them on the horns").

In the Russian nursery rhyme "The Horned Goat" the gesture depicts the goat itself.

In literature and cinema

• The hero of the movie "Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles" uses this gesture to pacify a buffalo.
• In the sci-fi series Babylon 5, the Minbari priest caste in the original hand-to-hand combat stance clench their hands not into fists, but in the form of this gesture.
• In the story "The Mystery of an Abandoned Castle" by Alexander Volkov, the "goat" is a welcome gesture from the Menwits.
• The gesture is popular in the anime Sailor Moon, where the heroines of the animated series cross their arms over their chest with protruding little fingers, thumbs and forefingers.
• In the Spider-Man universe, the protagonist uses this gesture to release the web from his hand.
• The gesture is found in the anime Kuroshitsuji, where it is used by the red-haired reaper Grell Sutcliffe.
• The gesture can be seen in the anime "Ranma ½" - the characters almost always make it when they get into curious situations.
• In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Remus Lupine (David Thewlis) uses this gesture when he asks students to repeat the spell against boggart.
• In The Sopranos, Tony Siriko Poli's character often uses this gesture when speaking.
• In the TV series "The Worst Witch", the head teacher of the Kekl school - Constance Pomelo uses just such a gesture when she conjures.

Victoria (gesture)

Victoria(symbol U + 270C ✌ "victory hand" in Unicode) is a common gesture meaning victory or peace. It is shown with the index and middle fingers of the hand pointing up in the form of the Latin letter "V".

In the UK and Australia, this sign takes on an offensive meaning if the back of the hand is turned towards the person to whom the gesture is directed.

"Anti-French" version

There is a "medieval" urban legend about the origin of the "Victoria" gesture. According to this version, during the Hundred Years War, the captured English and Welsh archers, who intimidated the French, were chopped off precisely these two fingers on their right hand, so that they could not use their bows in the future. The archers, knowing this, teased the French before the battle, showing them intact fingers - "Fear, enemies!"

However, this version is not confirmed by historical sources. In that war, it was generally not customary to take ordinary soldiers prisoner, they were killed. Presumably, this story is a so-called urban legend, and it was invented quite recently, not earlier than the 1980s.

FINGER GESTURES

Most of the communication a person uses gestures with the fingers of his hands. Using finger gestures, you can express your attitude to a situation or a person - this is the emotional part of the message. Fingers can be used as an informative part of the message, using them to express the number and size of the described objects. Finger movements are especially often used when the other person cannot hear the interlocutor. For deaf and dumb people, there is a special dactyl alphabet, when each gesture corresponds to the letters of the alphabet. Knowing the decoding of some common finger gestures, you will be able to more fully understand the interlocutor and even notice flattery, deception, joy, and so on. By understanding the meanings of hand gestures, you will not be misunderstood by the other person. Let's look at a few common finger gestures.

Thumb up and down gesture

The thumb gesture most often means a person's attitude to what is said or done. If the thumb is raised up, then this gesture can be deciphered: "Super!", "Oh, I approve!", "Cool idea!" And the finger down, the reverse side of the situation: "I'm not happy with you", "I am unpleasant", "Fu", etc. However, the thumb gesture is used for other purposes as well. So, for example, if you want to stop traffic on the road, you can show your thumb. The driver will decipher it as a vote and a desire for a long trip, hitchhiking. A thumbs up sharply upward, an Australian or Englishman will understand as a sexual insult. But in Greece, this quick gesture means: "Fuck you!". And the Arabs associate the raised thumb with a phallic symbol.
When counting, the thumb is used in different ways: Italians consider the thumb to be a unit, while Australians, British, Russians and others use the index finger for the unit, and the thumb will be the fifth.
The thumb can be used in a variety of body positions and denotes power and superiority. A gesture of superiority and power.
Forefinger gesture

The index finger speaks for itself, it points to something or someone. The index finger gesture is ambiguous and depends on words, movements and body position. The index finger applied to the lips means "quiet". If it is lifted up vertically, it means “stop!”, “Attention!”. If you shake your finger at the same time, this gesture will mean a refusal. A slightly tilted finger forward and swinging up and down means a threat or a lesson. If you twist your index finger at your temple, then they consider you a fool. A hand raised up with a forefinger says: "Attention, I want to say something!" There is one hidden position of the index finger: if a person speaks and his gaze is directed in one direction, and the index finger in the other, while he is slightly bent, then the person is telling a lie.
Middle finger gesture



A gesture with the middle finger raised up, with a protruding thumb or clenched into a fist is considered offensive. The outstretched middle finger is a phallic symbol, meaning: "Fuck off!" In Russia and China, the gesture is considered very rude; instead, a figurine is used, meaning: "You will not get anything." In America, the "fuck" gesture is considered abusive, but it is used more often, meaning: "Fuck you!"

Two-finger gesture or "V" sign

The two-finger gesture or the V sign is common in English-speaking countries. So in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, this finger gesture would mean sexual assault. In most European countries, as well as in Russia, this gesture means Victory. Winston Churchill first used the "V" gesture during World War II, but his palm was turned towards himself and signified victory. So there was a division into negative and positive significance of this gesture. However, in European countries, the meaning of victory is determined with an open palm. And the palm turned towards itself will mean the number 2. Using the two-finger gesture, it is necessary to remember the culture and traditions that exist in the country. An Englishman, deciding to offend a Russian, will put him at a loss.
Three fingers gesture

Three fingers can be used in different combinations, most often the number is three. In different countries, the number three is shown in different ways. For example, the Germans, since they start counting with their thumb, show their thumb, forefinger and middle finger. Russians and Americans will show three fingers, starting with the index.
In some countries, especially during the Second World War, the Germans raised three fingers in the air during the oath, greeting their commander-in-chief. The history of this gesture goes back to ancient times, when soldiers took an oath, greeting each other with this gesture. Today, in some countries, this gesture is used as a symbol of victory.
Goat gesture and tongue between fingers

This gesture is very popular and is used as a defense against evil, even in mystical rituals. But we know more this gesture as a "rocker goat". Some rockers started sticking their tongues between their fingers, showing their culture even crazier.
In Russia, this gesture has become firmly established as a gesture of superiority over someone. It is also used to show horns and offend a person. If the "horns" begin to move closer to a person, they want to show that they will attack now. In the dactyl alphabet, these are the letters Y and Y.
Thumb and pinky gesture or shaka gesture

The thumb and pinky gesture is very common today as a phone call gesture: "Call me, I'm waiting." In this case, the fingers are applied to the ear. If the thumb moves to the mouth and the head tilts, then this gesture means a drink. Without head movement in drug addicts, it means smoking. In the dactyl alphabet, this gesture means the letter U. In Asian countries, this gesture shows the number six. A sign of welcome will be in Hawaii or for parachutists and surfers.
OK gesture or ring fingers



Fingers folded into a ring means the letter O. The gesture ok appeared in America and was used in different situations, but the most common is "OK", that is, "everything is in order." This gesture is also used as zeroing or the value "nothing". But in Japan, this gesture means money. In Mediterranean countries, if you show a man's fingers with a ring, you offend him, making it clear that he is a homosexual.
Clasped fingers



Fingers clasped together are often accompanied by a smile, but in reality, they represent depression, insecurity, and hostility. Imagine a person who clasped his hands and bent his head on them, what happens at this moment? He is upset and ponders what to do next. The tighter the hands are clenched, the more he experiences. If, in this case, the head is directed upwards and there is a smile on his face, then such a person is difficult to persuade. Hands act as a barrier between you and the person you are talking to. It is much easier to negotiate with a person whose fingers are interlocked at chest level or lying on a table. To remedy the situation, you can disengage your fingers by submitting something to look at. Now imagine that you are standing with your interlocking fingers down or on your knees. How do you feel at this moment? Most likely, some kind of tension that you want to hide. If they tell you something, and you accept this hand position, then inside you do not agree and thereby express your protest. The more palms are turned towards the interlocutor, the more liberation you are.
Rubbing the tips of others with your thumb

If a person stretches his hand forward and rubs his thumb on the tips of the other fingers, then he is talking about money. Usually, money is mentioned in the conversation, so it will not be difficult for you to decipher this gesture. But a rubbing gesture can be in a situation where a person is trying to convey something to you. In this case, the hand moves forward and upward with the addition of the words: "and so!". One gets the feeling that some important secret will be revealed now.
Interlaced fingers gesture

The gesture of crossed or intertwined fingers is used for protection. For example, when they cheat or want not to jinx it, for good luck. Moreover, the fingers are intertwined on both hands and hidden from the interlocutor, so such a gesture is difficult to see.

Closed thumb and forefinger gesture

This gesture is used when they want to draw attention to something. A closed thumb and forefinger gesture often complements speech. The person who makes such a gesture wants the audience to understand the very essence of what was said.
Connected fingertips

This gesture is used by people who are confident in themselves and in their knowledge. Connected fingertips or "spiers" are used by balanced people, they gesture little and speak more. Closed fingers also signify a decision. If during the conversation your interlocutor showed a negative attitude (crossed arms and legs, indifference in the face), then his decision is to refuse. In another case (open palms, interested person) - the client made a positive decision.
There are two options for the “spire” with fingers up and down. The speaker puts his thumbs up and the listener down.

Finger sign language alphabet
The sign language alphabet is used by deaf and dumb people. They use finger and hand gestures to make the other person understand. If you are faced with such gestures, do not be alarmed. If you look at this table, you will understand that there is nothing difficult in memorizing and understanding.

In conclusion, I would like to say that gestures cannot be considered separately, since the same gesture can be interpreted in different ways. Gestures, words, facial expressions are read in the system, only then can the correct conclusion be drawn. Finger gestures may or may not match words. If they match, then gestures reinforce verbal information, and if not, then gestures have to be informed, since they provide much more information than words.

Gestures and their meaning in different countries

Coming to another country, we always prepare for the fact that certain difficulties may arise associated with overcoming the language barrier. At the same time, travelers completely forget about gestures, ignorance of which can be much more dangerous and unpredictable.

Oratory teachers often say that if the speaker does not know what to do with his hands, then it’s better to just shut his mouth with them. This is doubly true for tourists who know nothing about sign language. We will not pretend to be experts in the field of kinesics and will simply tell you about the main travel mistakes and convince you that it is easier to learn how to gesture correctly than to refuse gestures, without which any speech will be insufficient, weak and incomprehensible.

Greetings

This issue should be approached with special care, because any conversation begins with a greeting. Fortunately, the entire civilized world has adopted the tradition of shaking hands, but in some countries such customs of greeting have been preserved that may seem more than strange to a Russian person. For example, a Mexican might grab your thumb, but in a Muslim country, men are used to hugging each other by the waist (if any). In France, even an unfamiliar person can kiss you on the cheek, while the people of Lapland are used to rubbing their noses as a sign of greeting. As for Asia, the inhabitants of this region are not used to being familiar and touching each other unnecessarily - here it is customary to greet interlocutors by folding their palms

F ... CK (all I need is "U") - Fak

Thanks to Hollywood, the flaunting middle finger became famous all over the world. Moreover, in no country does this gesture mean something good and peaceful. The classic meaning of this phallic gesture is very harsh, and it means an abrupt end to the conversation and a wish to travel in the direction that cultured people often transform on fences into the call "chew".

In Thailand and Japan, this gesture will be perceived as a willingness to provide the widest range of sexual services, and in Germany, you can get a considerable fine for the middle finger.

Thumb

The thumb gesture often demonstrates a person's attitude towards what they have seen. Thumb up - “I like it!”, “Dude, this is just cool”; downward finger - "Fu-oo-oo!", "I don't like it." The main thing is not to provoke a person to remember the tradition of lowering his thumb to sum up the battle of gladiators in Ancient Rome.

So be extremely careful, especially for hitchhikers - in some countries it is much easier to start a war with your thumb than to stop a car.

Dula, fig, fig

Such a variety of cute epithets speaks of the popularity of this gesture, which is used all over the world. In our country, a fig is an unsubstantiated argument in a protracted dispute. In other words, this is our domestic "fact", which, nevertheless, is not so offensive.

In Japan, China and Korea, the fig is perceived as a phallic symbol, and in Germany, this gesture can be offered to have sex. And if in India the three-finger bullet is perceived as a threat, then in Turkey and Central America it means an offer to conduct an express course of oral sex.

You can enjoy using a figurine in Brazil and Portugal, because the local population is used to believing that such a design made of fingers can bring good luck and drive away evil forces.

Forefinger

The index finger itself is the most versatile of the five that Mother Nature has bestowed upon us. Raise your index finger up and everyone will be quiet, because you demand attention in this way. Apply it to your lips and it will provide you with deathly silence or a whisper. Twirl your index finger at your temple, and you will accurately formulate your opinion about the mental abilities of the interlocutor. We'll talk about the last gesture.

If you happen to be in Holland, drilling with your index finger in the temporal region will mean that you are quite smart.

In Italy, this will indicate that you are considered an eccentric person, and in Argentina, this way you will be invited to the phone.

If you see someone twirling his finger at his temple in Peru, it can only mean one thing - "Do not interfere, I think."

Open palm

In our culture, a raised hand and an open palm means "Enough." But do not even think about showing an open palm to a Greek, because a descendant of the ancient Hellenes will take this as a direct insult. This is due to a long-standing tradition according to which criminals would get their faces dirty using, of course, the palm of the hand.

OK

The sign in the form of a ring formed by the index and thumb was presented to people by divers, who in this way notify the partner that everything is in order. There is also a version that this is an invention of journalists who sought to shorten the most common phrases. In the majority of cases, it means no problems or "zero". However, not everywhere.

In France, Portugal and some Latin American countries, the “OK” gesture, beloved by Americans and many Europeans, is perceived as indecent and symbolizes the anus. This can be felt especially acutely in Turkey, where a ring of fingers is an open accusation of homosexuality. But in Tunisia, this gesture can be interpreted as a threat to kill a person.

"Goat"

Clenching your hand into a fist and lifting your index and pinky fingers up, you get the famous "crown" or "horns" - a gesture that was first used by Black Sabbath and picked up by all heavy metal fans.

In many cultures, this gesture symbolizes a cuckold devil, because people subconsciously attribute some satanic features to hard rock, and lovers of "weighted" guitar riffs are ranked among the admirers of the crafty Lucifer. However, here it is worth saying stop to yourself and making allowances for the "cultural wind", because, for example, in Hinduism and Buddhism, the "goat" is a positive gesture and is used to dispel evil.

In the Mediterranean countries, "horns" are shown exclusively to men, whose dandruff is not dandruff at all, but sawdust from cut horns. In other words, this sign can indicate to a Mediterranean man that his wife prefers other people's sheets. It is in this context that fans in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Colombia, Brazil, Albania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, who are dissatisfied with the decision of the football referee, use the “horns”. Thus, the judge is offered to go “for soap” and say, “While you are here in the field, your wife is cutting roses with the gardener!”

V - Victoria - Victory

The oldest sign in the form of the index and middle fingers raised up means triumph and victory. However, in Italy, this gesture with the palm inward will mean the female genital organ and actions of a corresponding nature. You can enhance the gesture by placing your nose between your fingers.

Shaka

This gesture in the form of a protruding thumb and little finger is the most “lounge” of all possible and means “Relax”. Shaka is the mood that reigns in Hawaii and is the true embodiment of the lifestyle of many islanders. This gesture is often used for greeting in Hawaii. He is also very popular among skydivers, surfers and others like them.

The Russians are accustomed to interpreting this gesture in their own way, linking it with the idea of ​​an average Hawaiian, who in the minds of most of the inhabitants of Russia is a cheeky rastaman with a huge smoking pipe of a joint and tangled dreadlocks. That is why this gesture with the thumb raised to the mouth means an invitation to expand consciousness with the help of cannabinol. One has only to put your thumb to your ear, and the gesture will automatically mean "I'll call."

Demonstration of the language

If in Russia you show your language to a person, he will not smile back at you. However, there is nothing critical in this gesture. In New Zealand, however, flaunting taste buds can seriously insult a person.

In Australia, you will most likely be kicked in the neck for showing your tongue, but in Italy, this is how you are accused of cowardice.

It is not necessary in Germany, while driving, to show your tongue to other drivers, because there is an opportunity to get a fine of 300 US dollars.

Glass upside down

By turning the glass upside down in Russia, a non-drinker demonstrates his refusal to drink alcohol, and in the language of a drinker it means "I respect you, but that's enough."

Under no circumstances should you turn over the dishes in England, as bar patrons may take this action as an invitation to a fight. What could be better than a colorful bruise or a well-cracked nose after a good binge?

But in the United States, a bartender who puts an inverted glass in front of you invites you to have a drink at the house's expense. If you are taking a treat, simply return the glass to its original position.

Be extremely careful with your gestures. But if you want to turn your journey into a walk in unpredictability, forget everything that was told about: o)

Enjoy culture shock and unexpected twists and turns of fate.
A source

Knowledge of body language (meaning of various gestures, facial expressions, etc.).

In the West, managers are required to teach this, starting with the middle management.

For everyone else, it will probably be interesting as well.

In this article, the meaning of only a very few of the various gestures is given.

Openness gestures.

Among them, the following can be distinguished: Open hands, palms up / a gesture knitted with sincerity and openness /, a shrug accompanied by a gesture of open hands / signifies openness /, unbuttoning a jacket / people who are open and friendly to you often unbutton their jacket during a conversation and even filming it in your presence /.

For example, when children are proud of their achievements, they openly show their hands, and when they feel guilty or wary, they hide their hands either in their pockets or behind their backs. Experts also noticed that during successful negotiations, the participants unbutton their jackets, straighten their legs, and move to the edge of the chair against the glare of the table, which separates them from the interlocutor.

Defense gestures / defensive /.

They react to possible threats, conflict situations. When we see that the interlocutor has crossed his arms on his chest, we should reconsider what we do or say, for he begins to withdraw from the discussion. Hands clenched into fists also mean the speaker's defensive reaction.

Evaluation gestures.

They express thoughtfulness and daydreaming. For example, the hand-to-cheek gesture - people leaning their cheeks on their hands are usually immersed in deep thought. Critical appraisal gesture - the chin rests on the palm. the index finger is extended along the cheek, the rest of the fingers - below the mouth / position "wait and see" /. A person sits on the edge of a chair, elbows on hips, arms hanging freely / position "this is great!" /.

A tilted head is a gesture of attentive listening. So, if most of the listeners in the audience do not have their heads tilted, then the group as a whole is not interested in the material that the teacher is presenting. Chin scratching / ok let's think / is used when the person is busy making a decision. Gestures about glasses / wipes glasses, takes a shackle of glasses to the like / - this is a pause for reflection. thinking about their situation before putting up more decisive resistance, demanding clarification or raising a question.

Pacing.

A gesture indicating an attempt to solve a difficult problem or make a difficult decision. Pinching the bridge of the nose is a gesture usually combined with closed eyes, and speaks of deep concentration "of intense thought.

Boredom gestures.

They are expressed in the tapping of the foot on the floor or flicking the cap of a fountain pen. Head in the palm of your hand. Machine drawing on paper. An empty look / "I look at you, but I do not listen" /.

Courtship gestures, "preening".

In women, they look like smoothing their hair, straightening their hair, clothes, looking at themselves in the mirror and turning in front of it; swinging the hips, slowly crossing and spreading the legs in front of a man, stroking oneself on the calves, knees, hips; balancing shoes on your fingertips / "in your presence I feel comfortable" /, for men - straightening a tie, cufflinks, jacket, straightening the whole body, moving the chin up and down to others.

Gestures of suspicion and secrecy.

The hand covers his mouth - the interlocutor diligently hides his position on the issue under discussion. Looking to the side is an indicator of secrecy. The legs or the whole body are facing the exit - a sure sign that the person wants to end a conversation or meeting. Touching or rubbing the nose with the index finger - a sign of doubt / other types of this gesture - rubbing the index finger behind or in front of the ear, rubbing the eyes /

Dominance-subordination gestures.
Superiority can be expressed in a welcome handshake. When the person squeezes your hand firmly and turns it so that the palm rests on top of yours, he is trying to express something like physical superiority. Conversely, when he holds out his hand, palm up, it means he is ready to accept a subordinate role. When the hand of the interlocutor during a conversation is carelessly tucked into the pocket of his jacket, and the thumb is outside, this expresses the person's confidence in his superiority.

Readiness gestures.
Hands on hips are the first sign of readiness / it can often be seen in athletes waiting for their turn to compete /. A variation of this pose in a sitting position - a person sits on the edge of a chair, the elbow of one hand and the palm of the other rest on the knees / so they sit just before entering into an agreement or. on the contrary, before getting up and leaving /.

Reinsurance gestures.
Different finger movements reflect different feelings: insecurity, inner conflict, fear. A child in this case sucks a finger, a teenager bites his nails, and an adult often replaces his finger with a fountain pen or pencil and chews them. Other gestures in this group are intertwined fingers when thumbs rub each other; tingling of the skin; touching the back of a chair before sitting down when gathering other people.

For women, a typical gesture to give inner confidence is to slowly and gracefully raise a hand to the neck.

Frustration gestures.
They are characterized by short, intermittent breathing, often accompanied by vague sounds such as moaning, moaning, etc., one who does not notice the moment when his opponent begins to breathe often and continues to prove his own, may run into trouble /; tightly braided, tense hands - a gesture of mistrust and suspicion / the one who tries, clasping his hands, to assure others of his sincerity, usually does not succeed /, hands tightly squeeze one another - it means the person is in a "mess" for example, must answer a question ... containing a serious charge against him /; stroking the neck with the palm of your hand / in many cases, when a person defends himself / - women, usually in these situations, correct their hair.

Gullibility gestures.
The fingers are connected like a dome of a temple / gesture "dome" /, which means trust and some self contentment, selfishness or pride / a very common gesture in a boss-subordinate relationship /.

Authoritarian gestures.
The hands are joined behind the back, the chin is raised (this is how army commanders, militiamen, and also top leaders often stand). In general, if you want to make it clear your superiority, you just need to physically rise above your opponent - sit above him, if you are talking while sitting, and maybe stand in front of him.

Nervous gestures.
Coughing, clearing the throat / someone who often does this feels insecure, anxious /, the elbows are placed on the table, forming a pyramid, the top of which are the hands, located directly in front of the mouth / such people play with partners in "cat and mouse" while they do not give them the opportunity to "show their cards", an indication of which is the removal of their hands from their mouths to the table /, tinkling with coins in their pockets, indicating concerns about the presence or lack of money; twitching your ear is a sign that the interlocutor wants to interrupt the conversation, but restrains himself.

Self-control gestures.
Hands behind the back and tightly clenched. Another position is sitting in a chair, the person crossed his ankles and grabbed the armrests with his hands (typical for waiting for an appointment with the dentist). Gestures in this group signal a desire to cope with strong feelings and emotions.

Body language expressed in gait.

The most important are the speed, the size of the steps, the degree of tension, the body movements associated with walking, the setting of the socks. Do not forget about the influence of shoes (especially in women)!

A fast or slow gait depends on the temperament and the strength of the urges restless-nervous - lively and active - calm and relaxed - lethargic-lazy (for example, with a relaxed, sagging posture, etc.)

Broad strides (more often in men than in women): often extraversion, purposefulness, zeal, enterprise, efficiency. Most likely aimed at distant goals.

Short, small steps (more often in women than in men): rather introversion, caution, calculation, adaptability, quick thinking and reactions, restraint.

Emphasized wide and slow gait - a desire to flaunt, actions with pathos. Strong and heavy movements should always demonstrate to others the strength and significance of the personality. The question is: is it really?

A relaxed gait is expressed - lack of interest, indifference, aversion to coercion and responsibility, or in many young people - immaturity, lack of self-discipline, or snobbery.

Noticeably small and at the same time fast steps, broken rhythmically: agitation, fearfulness of various shades. (Unconscious goal: dodge, make way for any danger).

A rhythmically strong gait, swaying slightly back and forth (with increased movements of the hips), tempting for some space: naive-instinctive and self-confident natures.

Shuffling "sagging" gait, rejection of volitional efforts and aspirations, lethargy, sluggishness, laziness.

Heavy "proud" gait, in which there is something theatrical, not entirely appropriate, when the steps are relatively small when walking slowly (contradiction), when the upper body is held pointedly and too erect, possibly with a disturbed rhythm: overestimation of oneself, arrogance, narcissism ...

Firm, angular, stilted, wooden gait (unnatural tension in the legs, the body cannot naturally sway): tightness, lack of contacts, timidity - hence, in the form of compensation, excessive firmness, overstrain.

An unnaturally impulsive gait, markedly large and quick steps, a noticeable waving of the arms back and forth: the existing and demonstrated activity is often just vacuous employment and efforts about some own desires.

Constant lifting up (on tense toes): striving upward, driven by an ideal, a strong need, a sense of intellectual superiority.

Posture

Good, relaxed posture - the basis is a high sensitivity and openness to the environment, the ability to immediately use internal forces, natural self-confidence and a sense of security.

Body stiffness or tension: Self-defense reactions when they feel uncomfortable and want to withdraw. Greater or lesser constraint, avoidance of contacts, closeness, a state of mind turned towards oneself. Often sensitivity (impressionability in the need for self-assessment).

Constant tension and external rigidity with a certain coldness of manifestations: sensitive natures who try to hide behind the appearance of firmness and confidence (often quite successfully).

Poor, sluggish posture: outside and inside "hang your nose"

Stooped back: humility, obedience, sometimes servility. This is a spiritual state, which is confirmed by the facial expression known to everyone.

Often accepted postures of a conventional kind (for example, one or two hands in pockets, hands are folded behind the back or crossed on the chest, etc.) - if not associated with states of tension: lack of independence, the need to imperceptibly include oneself in the general order. It is often observed when several people gather in a group.

Body language - Shoulder girdle and upper body

Combination: high shoulders with a slightly stooped back and a more or less tucked in chin (a more or less bowed head drawn into the shoulders): a sense of threat and the resulting defensive behavior: helplessness, a feeling of "bristling", fear, nervousness, fearfulness. If persists permanently, it is an established trait that has developed from a prolonged stay in a state of intimidation, for example, with a constant fear of parents or a spouse (domestic tyrant).

Shoulders dropping forward - a feeling of weakness and depression, submissiveness, a feeling or an inferiority complex.

Squeezing the shoulders forward and outward - with strong fear, horror.

Free lowering of the shoulders - the onset of a feeling of confidence, inner freedom, control of the situation.

Pushing the shoulders back - a feeling of strength, one's own capabilities, activity, enterprise, determination to act, often an overestimation of oneself.

The alternating raising and lowering of the shoulders - the inability to establish something precisely, doubts, reflections, skepticism.

Bulging chest (intense inhalation and exhalation, constant large amount of air in the lungs):

"+": A consciousness of strength, a strong sense of one's personality, activity, enterprise, the need for social contacts.

“-” (especially if it is underlined): swagger, “inflated” person, “inflated” intentions, overestimation of oneself.

A sunken chest (more intense exhalation than inhalation, there is a minimum amount of air in the lungs) - often the shoulders fall forward:

"+": Inner peace, a certain indifference, isolation, but all this is within the boundaries of the positive, since it stems from the weakness of motives.

"-": poor health, lack of pressure and vitality, passivity, humility, depression (especially with a general decline in strength).

Hands rest on the hips: the need for reinforcement, hardening. Demonstration to others of their firmness, confidence, stability and superiority: hands are not used at all in an argument, claims to a large space. Challenge, bravado. Often compensation for latent feelings of weakness or embarrassment. The action is enhanced with legs wide apart and the head pulled back.

The arms support the upper torso by resting on something, such as a table, back of a chair, low podium, etc .: This is an upper body support movement for someone who is weak on their feet; in the psychological sense - the desire for spiritual support with inner uncertainty.