In Australia, US, UK, Russia and Canada this is seen as a sign of approval or good job. Traveling to an Arab country can definitely be colorful because of the enormous amount of gesticulation that Arabs do while talking. The Meaning of Hand Gestures in different Countries Thumbs up. Can anyone tell me what the below mean in Turkey? The meanings of non-verbal language can change from one culture to another as much as to have the opposite connotation. Common hand gestures used in the United States carry very different meanings in other cultures. When we go overseas, sometimes language can be a barrier. Some gestures simply have different meaning in one part of the world than … For example, in some countries, pointing a finger at a person is considered an insult, which is why in the U.S. we tell children “don’t point.” While in Italy pointing is used to indicate a direction. Making a circle with your thumb and your index finger is how to signal "OK" in the US. The thumbs up emoji is, for many of us, an easy way to convey our approval or agreement without having to type actual words. It's just not nice. By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Business Insider And we look at some of the faux pas you should avoid when working around the world. In certain Commonwealth countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, an outward-facing V sign is an obscene gesture equivalent to giving someone the middle finger. Luckily body language can help us communicate when words fail to do so. Thumbs-up definition is - an instance or gesture of approval or encouragement. 1. It also used to mean “V for Victory.”China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand: Cute pose when being photographed.United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland: When the same gesture is done but with the back of the hand facing outward, it’s an insult.ASL: The sign for the number 2. You might think the gestures you grew up with are universal, but chances are, the innocent gesture you make at home means something very different in another country. Answer Save. Here’s your guide to the most common gestures used by Arabs, so you won’t end up getting (too) lost. Body language in different cultures varies greatly! The “thumbs up” sign was originally thought to have come from the Roman Coliseum, where the fates of gladiators were decided. 8 Techniques to Massage Away Your Headache, 20+ Photos That Prove True Love Breaks Any Boundaries and Stereotypes, 18 People and Pets Whose Love Could Easily Move Mountains, 20+ Men Who Were Against Adopting a Dog but Are Now Best Friends With Them, How a Woman With Face Blindness, Who Can’t Even Remember the Face of Her Own Child, Lives, 10 Ways the Weather Can Really Affect Your Body, 15 Photos That Prove Time Is Round and It Rolls Quickly, 15 Things in Japan That Make Everyone Feel Loved and Cared For, 11 Reasons to Fall in Love With Leonardo DiCaprio Even More. Thumbs up 3. Newsletter Sign Up. This is the action of punching your fist into your elbow joint while raising the other fist … A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. How the thumbs up became an upbeat gesture in the first place is something of a mystery. The thumbs up sign in most American and European cultures meaning things are going according to your plans or something you approve of. In English, it is popularly known as 'thumbs up', despite the fact that the action is commonly performed with only one hand. Thumbs up & thumbs up emoji. The gesture is often performed by flicking the V up from the wrist or elbow. The thumbs up gesture is used on the logo of Thums Up, a popular brand of cola from India. America: Usually uses it as a taunt, it means “loser.”China: Indicates the number 8, which is considered a lucky number. When we go overseas, sometimes language can be a barrier. Best bet is to carefully read up on the subject before leaving your country. The OK-sign (circle with thumb and index finger) 2. 1 decade ago. What is considered a cool sign may be a grave insult in another country. This is less a single gesture than a motion: flicking your hand outward, palm up, … Try to avoid it in Thailand, though, where it’s a sign of condemnation. For them it is like giving them the finger. The thumbs up is one of the most popular hand gestures, but it has greatly different meanings depending on where you use it. This looks like an 'OK' sign, but not in Brazil. The 'V' sign, made by holding up the index and middle fingers, initially was used to signal victory by Allied nations during World War II. America: Means hoping for good luck.Vietnam: It is thought to resemble female genitals, and is similar to giving the middle finger.ASL: The sign for the letter R. America: Usually used by rockers, when the index and pinky are raised it is a sign of approval or “rock on!”Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Spain, Italy, Portugal: This sign is made at someone to tell them that their spouse is cheating on them. For example, in some countries, pointing a finger at a person is considered an insult, which is why in the U.S. we tell children “don’t point.” While in Italy pointing is used to indicate a direction. Legend has it that the signal dates back to Roman gladiatorial contests. Are there any other hand gestures you know that mean something completely different in other countries? The thumbs-up signals approval in the U.S. and on Facebook, but in … Contrary to Hollywood legend, Roman gladiators were not spared by a thumbs-up, but by a hidden thumb. China: This is the same as giving the thumbs down sign. Luckily body language can help us communicate when words fail to do so. Starting in 2007, the thumbs-up also appeared on India's one-rupee coin. It is derogatory to use on people. Thumbs up/down, "OK", pointing at someone or yourself, rubbing fingers together ("money" in the US), even waving with your left hand. The thumbs up is one of the most popular hand gestures, but it has greatly different meanings depending on where you use it. It means “love.”. Read this article before using the OK signal, thumbs-up, or even extending a hand shake in other countries. Learn all about body language and discover 10 ways that people from around the world express themselves... without ever opening their mouths! In much of the world today, the thumbs up means, "O.K. Similar to “What are you saying?”, Malaysia: They call it “chup” and it used to mean “wait a minute.” But when the gesture is motioned toward the mouth, it means “eat.”ASL: When both hands with this sign are put together with the tips touching, it means “kiss.”. In India, the thumbs up, combined with a wagging of the fist means, “I doubt that will work.” A thumbs up is an important sign in scuba diving, where it means, “stop the dive and ascend.” Understand cultural differences in body language. Twist your wrist clockwise and anticlockwise about three times, without changing the position of your The thumbs up sign in Middle Eastern countries, Iran, Iraq and Thailand, is an extremely obscene gesture, equivalent to flipping the finger in Europe. Suggest a correction. This positive gesture has a totally different meaning in Latin America, West Africa, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. Putting your thumb and index finger of one hand together. 6 Answers. In Greece, Latin America, the Middle East, Russia, and elsewhere, it means "Up yours!" The meaning of the thumbs up signal depends on context in these countries, but it is usually positive since it can mean anything from “You’re number one” to “Good luck.” In Brazil, it means “Thanks.” However, in Iran, Greece and Sardinia, the thumbs up sign is comparable to giving the middle finger in the US. ", "Yes", or "I approve." V-sign (middle and index finger) with palm facing the speaker 4. as well as other partner offers and accept our, David Anderson, Matthew Stuart, Mark Abadi, Shayanne Gal, insulting and scatological connotations,". Below are ten common North American gestures that can cause offense abroad. Avoid Using In: United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.. Thumbs-Up. I am researching the meaning of different gestures in different countries. You often show agreement or approval by using the thumbs up emoji but in Nigeria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran, it means ”sit on it,” which is a very obscene gesture. since. But not in Vietnam. The “V” gesture. Saying goodbye the way Americans do it can be interpreted in some parts of Europe and Latin America as the sign for saying ‘no’. This seemingly-innocuous gesture that means, "Great! If you really want to be offensive, you can thrust your thumb upwards to emphasize the offensive message, but odds are you really just want to avoid it. The thumbs-up gesture is commonly used in many cultures to signify a job well done. “Unfortunately, in Iran and neighboring countries like Afghanistan, the thumbs-up is equivalent to the middle finger!” explains Dana Hooshmand, an author for Discover Discomfort, a … Thumbs up 3. V-sign (middle and index finger) with palm facing the speaker 4. A symbol for scuba divers everywhere, this sign is actually super rude in some countries. The thumbs-up gesture is a sign of approval in most countries. As the American usage of a thumbs-up as “O.K.” expanded in the 20th Century, older negative meanings remained in some areas of the world. Things can get lost in translation, though, when a typical gesture from your country means something completely different in other parts of the world. It shows that the signer is not happy. Hand gestures mean different things in different countries. The same hand gestures could mean different things in other countries. The ‘thumbs up’ sign is used in many cultures to mean ‘OK’, in France it can mean number 1. But in many European and South American countries, including Italy, Spain, Greece, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, the gesture has a more obscene meaning. We mean to say one thing, but the locals understood it to be something else. V-sign (middle and index finger) with palm facing the speaker 4. Don’t make the same mistake as Richard Nixon, who visited Brazil and flashed the “Ok sign” to a waiting crowd, but was responded to with boos. It is also used when crossing the street and this is humorously known as the “God hand” because it seems as though you have the power to stop cars. America: A gesture showing a slit to the neck means “you’re done for.”Japan: It means “you’re fired.” This is because the word kubi, which means fired from a job, sounds the same as kubi that means the neck or throat. V-sign with palm facing away from the speaker Many thanks! Italy: The chin flick. V in Australia and England. Thumbs up is a gesture that means good, alright or ok. Knowing how to sign numbers is especially useful when bargaining in China. Although, it has a very rude sexual connotation in Islamic countries, Cerdeña and Greece. The connection is obvious to people from those countries: the word for "cuckold" in Italian, Spanish, and Greek is the same word for "horned.". This symbol's original meaning was a … Just ask any traveler who's given a thumbs-up in Afghanistan. You may thing you're telling someone they're A-OK , or being encouraging by giving a thumbs up, but in different countries around the world, hand … Thumbs up 3. People will likely be more bemused than hurt if you slip up. Sign up for a daily selection of our best stories — based on your reading preferences. America: Used to imitate an Italian gesture.Italy: Used when something is unclear. Other studies suggest they come from WWII pilots signalling each other in the air. The Importance of Cultural Awareness 1. But wherever it derives, the positive “thumbs up” in Western cultures is a big no-no in other countries, such as Greece, Italy, and some throughout the … As the American usage of a thumbs-up as “O.K.” expanded in the 20th Century, older negative meanings remained in some areas of the world. However, the going good sign translates into a rude and offensive gesture in Islamic and Asian countries. Thumbs Up. But in some parts of the world, such as West Africa and the Middle … The thumbs up, the "OK" sign, and crossing your fingers are all examples of gestures that are vulgar in certain places outside the US. The gesture “thumb-up” is also commonly misinterpreted. Forearm jerk. America: Means “stop,” the number 5, or “talk to the hand.”Greece, Sindh (Pakistan): Called the “moutza” or “mountza” and is considered an insult.Mexico, Panama: Used to say “hi,” but when steady or moving it repeatedly toward the receiver it means, “You’ll see!” warning that the giver is going to tell an authority figure.Malaysia: Can be used to say hi to someone you know, to call a waiter, and to say thank you to another driver. They know what we mean by it and they have accepted the fact that Americans are going to do it regardless, so it's no use of getting mad. Favorite Answer . Americans should be aware that the gesture has multiple meanings at home, too — in recent years, the OK symbol has been linked with white supremacy groups. It is pretty much used as the same way as done in other countries. V-sign (middle and index finger) with palm facing the speaker 4. South Korea: It’s a similar gesture, but without the rubbing, to make a small heart. A thumbs-up as a sign of approval is a gesture that many people instinctively use, especially if language barrier prevents you from expressing your approval verbally. When you don’t know the local language, body language can be a helpful way to understand what is going on.Traveling to an Arab country can definitely be colorful because of the enormous amount of gesticulation that Arabs do while talking. America: It’s not commonly used, but it means an animal ears or horns. While we may think we’re showing a sign of approval (or asking for a ride) when we flash a thumbs-up sign or emoji, it has the opposite effect in middle east countries like Iran and Iraq and even in some spots of Italy and Greece. Can anyone tell me what the below mean in Japan? Thumbs Down to Thumbs Up. Tricky thing is, that some gestures have completely different meaning in other countries from what you may be used to. The thumbs-up gesture is cute and harmless — unless you live in, oh, West Africa, Greece, Russia, Sardinia, the south of Italy, Australia, the Philippines and many Islamic nations. An essential daily guide to achieving the good life. While the thumbs-up symbol may be a sign of approval in Western culture, traditionally in Greece and the Middle East it has been interpreted as vulgar and even offensive. I am researching the meaning of different gestures in different countries. I am researching the meaning of different gestures in different countries. English-speaking Caucasians use it to signal ‘OK’, which is same meaning as O.K. It almost makes one want to stay at home... – Phil Perry May 13 '14 at 20:19 or "Sit on this!" All those gestures have offensive connotations away from American soil. The softer and more common one is done with your whole hand. However, the going good sign translates into a rude and offensive gesture in Islamic and Asian countries. And you could get arrested for using it. The OK-sign (circle with thumb and index finger) 2. In Thailand, however this gestures is a sign of mockery and condemnation. No playing "Heads Up 7-Up" in Thailand, Iran, Afghanistan, and Greece. In India, the thumbs up, combined with a wagging of the fist means, “I doubt that will work.” A thumbs up is an important sign in scuba diving, where it means, “stop the dive and ascend.” Bright Side looked at the meaning of the same hand gestures in different parts of the world and thinks it would be good for us to know them when traveling. V-sign with palm facing away from the speaker Many thanks! This article takes a look at one of the most common signs: the thumbs-up sign. America: Good. Favorite Answer In some areas such as the middle east the thumbs up can be seen as a form of disrespect. However, if it is used in Australia, Greece, or the Middle East -- especially if it is thrust up as a typical hitchhiking gesture would be -- it means essentially "Up yours!" Can anyone tell me what the below mean in China? The fingers all together sign, which means a lot of things in India Thumbs up 3. In this article, we'll discuss why it's important to be aware of the different meanings body language has in different countries and cultures. When held stationary and thrust toward another person the meaning is “yourself.”. The "thumbs up" sign popular in the United States is used widely in most of Europe to say "OK" (it also represents the number one when counting). With your elbow bent and held in front of your stomach, hold your right hand at the level of your neck with all of the fingers pointing towards it and your palm down. It also used to mean “V for Victory.” China, Japan, South Korea, … The same hand gestures could mean different things in other countries. More: Europe Travel International Destinations Video Destinations travel. ring gesture. In Australia, it means OK, but if you move it up and down, it is considered as a grave insult. … … Which of these hand gestures do you use a lot and what do they mean when you use them? It's used the same way the middle finger is in the US. What does “thumb-up” or “thumbs-up” mean to different cultures? The Vietnamese people have a different meaning to the popular gesture. Japan: The symbol of a lover or significant other.ASL: The sign for the letter I. America, Ecuador: “Come here.” This gesture is also used when seducing someone.Philippines: It’s only used to call a dog. In America, this usually means, "Great job!" There are two neck cutting gestures with very different meanings. 1. There, the gesture is thought to resemble female genitals, and making it is similar to giving the middle finger. In general, we tend to think it's best not to insult your host country when traveling abroad. Best bet is to carefully read up on the subject before leaving your country. In the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Russia, giving someone the thumbs up is similar to the ‘okay’ gesture above, but more positive.It’s usually given as a sign of approval for a job well done or used when thanking someone. Not only could your intended message get lost in translation, you could actually end up offending or otherwise causing an unintentional, but inappropriate and unfortunate circumstance for yourself. Conversely, the acceptance level of people in English speaking countries differs from other parts of the world where the English language is not that commonly spoken. A natural response to someone saying or doing something cool is a thumbs-up. The OK-sign (circle with thumb and index finger) 2. It is also used when hitchhiking.Iraq, Iran: An insult equivalent to, “Up yours, pal!”ASL: Thumbs up wiggled left and right is the sign for the number 10. Making a circle with your thumb and your index finger … 3. … But it is not the case in Bangladesh. This gesture of agreement or approval is an easy reflex when language barriers are at play. In Australia, it means OK, but if you move it up and down, it is considered as a grave insult. America: Waving the hand left and right, with the palm facing the side in front of your face, indicates that something smells bad.Japan: It means “no.” “No can do,” “Impossible,” or even “No, thank you” are also expressed with this gesture. America: The thumb between the index and middle fingers represents the nose stolen from a kid’s face in the “I’ve Got Your Nose” game.Turkey: An obscene gesture similar to the middle finger, and is also used to show disagreement or to deny a request.Brazil: A good luck charm to ward off the evil eye and jealousy.Indonesia: An offensive gesture.American Sign Language (ASL): The sign for the letter T. America: Peace. I am researching the meaning of different gestures in different countries. The thumbs up sign in Middle Eastern countries, Iran, Iraq and Thailand, is an extremely obscene gesture, equivalent to flipping the finger in Europe. In most cultures, crossing your fingers means you're hoping for good luck. Or someone who's crossed their fingers in Vietnam or signaled "OK" in Brazil. Anonymous. America, Germany: The thumb rubs repeatedly over the tip of the index finger and middle finger to indicate money. If the origins of both gestures are linked, we can only assume this meant, "Do not kill the prisoner, he seems the perfect solution to the emperor's arthritic finger." The most common interpretation of this sign is as a sing of approval (there is even a metaphor in English: The proposal was given a thumbs-up), but there are some countries where it may be an insult or where it will not be understood.