The Definitions Of Hand Gestures Around The World

Summary

This video explores the fascinating and diverse meanings of hand gestures across different cultures. What may be considered harmless in one country can carry an entirely different or even offensive meaning in another. For example, the 'Okay' gesture, commonly understood as a sign of approval in many English-speaking countries, is seen as rude in Brazil. Similarly, the 'thumbs up' sign, widely recognized as positive, can be interpreted as offensive in some Middle Eastern nations. The video delves into various gestures such as the 'V sign', 'thumb in a fist', and 'chin flick', explaining how their meanings can change dramatically based on geography and cultural context.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Okay' hand gesture has different meanings around the world, with it being considered rude in Brazil.
• 😀 In the USA, the 'Horn' gesture is a sign of approval, while in Mediterranean countries, it can mean someone's spouse is cheating.
• 😀 The 'Fingers All Together' gesture in Italy means 'what is this?' but represents a small amount in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• 😀 Thumbs up is generally positive but is considered offensive in countries like Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
• 😀 The 'Crossed Fingers' gesture is a sign of luck in many Western countries but is seen as lewd in Vietnam.
• 😀 The 'V Sign' can be harmless in the USA but is an offensive sign of defiance in countries like the UK and New Zealand.
• 😀 The 'Come Here' gesture is used to summon people in English-speaking countries but is offensive in the Philippines as it is reserved for dogs.
• 😀 Pointing with your finger is neutral in many European countries but can mean 'number 2' in others, like Belgium and the Netherlands.
• 😀 The 'Downwards Palm Wave' is used to shoo people away in English-speaking countries but means 'come here' in countries like Vietnam and Ghana.
• 😀 The 'Chin Flick' is used to show disinterest or dismissal in France and Belgium but expresses 'I don't care' in Italy.
• 😀 In many Latin countries, the 'Fist and Elbow' gesture is a sign of stinginess, while in Germany, it signifies that someone is foolish.
• 😀 The 'Forehead Fist' gesture in Brazil is used to indicate stupidity with added grunts.
• 😀 The 'Thumb in a Fist' gesture is playful in English-speaking countries but seen as aggressive in Turkey.
• 😀 The 'Outward Hand' gesture is offensive in Greece, Africa, and Pakistan, originating from an insulting ancient practice.
• 😀 The 'Awkward Turtle' gesture is used to acknowledge social embarrassment in the USA and represents 'platypus' in American sign language.

Q & A

What does the 'Okay' hand gesture mean in most English-speaking countries?

In most English-speaking countries, the 'Okay' hand gesture signifies that everything is fine, great, or perfect.

Why is the 'Okay' gesture considered rude in Brazil?

In Brazil, the 'Okay' gesture is considered rude because it is equivalent to giving someone the middle finger.

What is the meaning of the 'Horn' gesture in Mediterranean and Latin countries?

In countries like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, the 'Horn' gesture is used to indicate that someone's spouse is cheating on them.

What does the 'Fingers All Together' gesture mean in Italy, and how does it differ in other countries?

In Italy, the 'Fingers All Together' gesture means 'What is this?' or 'What do you want?'. In Congo, it indicates a small amount of something, while in Turkey, it signifies beauty, and in Egypt, it shows that you'll only be a minute.

How is the 'Thumbs Up' gesture perceived in some Middle Eastern countries?

In countries like Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the 'Thumbs Up' gesture is considered offensive, similar to saying 'up yours'.

What cultural difference exists in the meaning of the 'Crossed Fingers' gesture between Western countries and Vietnam?

In Western countries like the UK, USA, and Canada, crossing fingers is a sign of wishing for good luck, but in Vietnam, it is considered a lewd gesture as it resembles female genitalia.

Why is the 'V Sign' gesture offensive in the UK and Australia when done with the back of the hand facing outward?

In the UK, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand, the 'V Sign' with the back of the hand facing out is seen as rude, often used to show contempt or defiance.

How does the 'Come Here' gesture differ in the Philippines from its meaning in English-speaking countries?

In English-speaking countries, the 'Come Here' gesture is used to motion someone over, but in the Philippines, it is considered highly offensive because it is reserved for calling dogs.

What does the 'Point' gesture represent in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy?

In Belgium and the Netherlands, the 'Point' gesture represents the number 2. In Italy, it is used to indicate something is not good.

What is the cultural significance of the 'Chin Flick' gesture in France and Italy?

In France and Belgium, the 'Chin Flick' expresses disinterest or tells someone to get lost. In Italy, it shows that someone doesn't care, as in 'I don't give a damn'.

What does the 'Fist and Elbow' gesture mean in Latin American countries versus Austria and Germany?

In Latin American countries, the 'Fist and Elbow' gesture symbolizes someone who is stingy. In Austria and Germany, it indicates that someone is an idiot, with their brain supposedly located in their elbow.

How does the 'Downward Palm Wave' gesture vary in meaning between English-speaking countries and countries like the Philippines and Vietnam?

In English-speaking countries, the 'Downward Palm Wave' signifies 'go away', but in the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Ghana, it indicates 'come here', as an upward palm is considered rude.