One of the best things about traveling is learning, meeting different people and experiencing different aspects of their cultures. While travelling, we do take proper care about the food, music, dance, or clothes but, no one talks about the small things like gestures.
What's considered a friendly gesture at one place might be obscene in another. This could create unforeseen miscommunications that could be embarrassing. So, to save you from such awkward situations, we bring to you some of the hand gestures, you should avoid while travelling to various places in the world.
Here's is a list of gestures you must avoid while travelling the world.
Thumbs-Up
Avoid using this gesture in: Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece.
The gesture of ‘Thumbs-up may look cool on Facebook or USA, but in Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece, it means "up yours." So, to avoid any awkwardness, next time you must reconsider what you are doing.
Finger Summoning
Avoid using this gesture in: The Philippines, Singapore, and Japan.
Want to call someone? Then, beware to do finger summoning in the Philippines. The same gesture is specifically used for calling dogs and considered very offensive. And in the land of Singapore and Japan, that same gesture indicates death.
The OK
Avoid using this gesture in: Turkey, Brazil, Venezuela, and France.
We might find the A-OK gesture as a gesture for “OK” or “excellent”. But in places like Turkey, Brazil and Venezuela, the gesture is a vulgar slang that can offend anybody you are flashing it to.
Fingers Crossed
Avoid using this gesture in: Vietnam
As per the Vietnamese, crossing your index and middle fingers won't bring you good luck in Vietnam. This human gesture symbolizes a part of the female anatomy and could get really offending when flashed to somebody.
Stop
Avoid using this gesture in: Greece.
When in Greece, don’t use the ‘Stop’ sign as it is considered extremely insulting. The disgrace dates back to the Byzantine age when the criminals were made to parade on the streets and the people watching used to spread charcoal on their faces using their open arms just like you do in stop sign.
Pat on the Head
Avoid using this gesture in: Thailand
As per the culture of the Thailand, Head is considered to be very pious as in the Buddhist faith; it's where the spirit lives (Remember, How people bow their head before other in Thailand, they do that only to recognize the divine in you). Thus patting someone on the head is something one should definitely avoid when in Thailand.
Victory Sign
Avoid using this gesture in: United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand
The Victory Sign made famous by Winston Churchill, may mean what you mean but in countries like United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand land you in trouble especially if your palm is facing inward. The same gesture is equivalent of giving someone a middle finger.
Left Hand
Avoid using this gesture in: The Middle East, India, Sri Lanka, and Africa.
Are you a lefty? Then a small FYI, Countries like Middle East, India, Sri Lanka, and Africa not much appreciate the use of it. In these countries, the left hand is traditionally seen as unclean, because it is connected with cleaning yourself after using the bathroom.
Devils Horn
Avoid using this gesture in: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and Colombia.
Extending your index and pinky finger to form the Devil’s Horn might be a rocking gesture at a concert. But, in Spain Italy, Portugal, Brazil, and Colombia, it means that your wife is sleeping with someone else. So, hoping you would be a little careful next time before using it.
FAQs
The thumbs-up gesture:
Thumbs-up may mean "good job" or "well done" in America, but in parts of the Middle East and South Asia, the same gesture can be interpreted as an insult. It's like giving someone the middle finger without realizing it – ouch!
What does the thumb and little finger out mean? ›
A shaka sign – the unmistakable pinky and thumb salute – is the ultimate symbol of Aloha and local culture in Hawaii. Interpreted to mean “hang loose” or “right on,” the Hawaiian Shaka is a constant reminder that in Hawaii, it is not the norm to worry or rush.
What does making a circle with your thumb and index finger mean? ›
The OK gesture or OK sign or ring gesture (symbol/emoji: "👌") is performed by joining the thumb and index finger in a circle, and holding the other fingers straight or relaxed away from the palm. Commonly used by scuba divers, it signifies "I am OK" or "Are you OK?" when underwater.
What does the 🤟 hand gesture mean? ›
Emoji Meaning: A hand with all fingers spread apart, indicating a virtual high-five, wave or "halt" gesture. Emoji Icon:🤟🤟🏻🤟🏼🤟🏽🤟🏾🤟🏿 Emoji Name: Love-you Gesture.
What is a particularly vulgar gesture? ›
The middle finger is still used though, and it is considered more insulting. Another variation of the middle finger is used, where all the fingers but the middle one are spread wide while moving the hand back and forth in the axis the middle finger creates.
What does 👌 mean in Italy? ›
Perfect – The thumb and index finger form a circle, with the other three fingers extended (👌) and draw a straight vertical line or relaxed. Also called an OK gesture.
What does 👍 mean from a girl? ›
Agreement or Approval: One possible meaning of a girl sending you thumbs up emojis is that she agrees with or approves of what you're saying [1]. It can be seen as a positive response to your messages, indicating that she agrees with your point of view or supports your ideas.
What does it mean when someone flicks their chin? ›
Most often, the chin flick means “I don't care.” The most common translation for the chin flick is “whatever,” “I couldn't care less,” or even “I.D.G.A.F.” Most popular in Italy, Tunisia, and Belgium, people flick their chins with a neutral, unbothered face to communicate that they don't want to do something or don't ...
What does this 🤙 mean? ›
A hand with thumb and little (pinky) finger extended, making a traditional phone-like shape. May be used in conjunction with a face to suggest “call me” (please). Not to be confused with the sign of the horn. Commonly used as a shaka sign, which is a similar gesture at a different orientation.
What does 🤙 mean in Hawaii? ›
Story By Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi. “Hang loose,” “Right on,” “Thank you,” “Things are great,” “Take it easy” – in Hawaii, the shaka sign expresses all those friendly messages and more. As kamaaina know, to make the shaka, you curl your three middle fingers while extending your thumb and baby finger.
To make a pinky promise, or pinky swear, is a traditional gesture most commonly practiced amongst children involving the locking of the pinkies of two people to signify that a promise has been made. The gesture is taken to signify that the person can break the finger of the one who broke the promise.
What does 👌 sideways mean? ›
It means, "deuces, peace out." It can indicate love, peace, disdain, sarcasm, signify one's leaving or being "over" a situation.
What does 👌 mean in slang? ›
The OK hand emoji, however, is often used to express that something is perfect, excellent, just right, choice, or on point. Marty with the flashy leg kick save. Nice 👌#EaglesCountry pic.twitter.com/dWvAFlPo4W.
What does holding three fingers up mean? ›
The gesture was popularized in the 2010s after its use in The Hunger Games as a symbol of revolution. The gesture has been adopted by protesters, particularly for pro-democracy protest movements in Southeast Asia, mainly in Thailand and Myanmar, as well as in other countries, including Hong Kong.
Which gestures that are innocent in the United States are considered vulgar and offensive in other countries? ›
Some hand gestures that are innocent in the United States are offensive in other countries. The thumbs up, the "OK" sign, and crossing your fingers are all examples of gestures that are vulgar in certain places outside the US.
What gestures might be negative gestures when talking? ›
Gestures using the face, eyes, arms, and posturing can all advance a feeling of disinterest or lack of confidence to an audience. The closed posture crossed arms can express anger or frustration. Avoidance of eye contact can communicate dishonesty of self-esteem. Sweating can indicate nervousness.
What are gestures for worried? ›
This list of 12 of the most common signs of nervousness may help you to get an idea of what your cues are.
- Pacing. Pacing is a very common sign of being nervous. ...
- Fidgeting. ...
- Swaying or Rocking. ...
- Leaning. ...
- Freezing. ...
- Cracking Knuckles. ...
- Crossed Arms. ...
- Picking at or Biting Nails.
Leaning forward is a way to show interest. Putting your thumb up is a way to show approval. Crossing your arms is a way to show discomfort. High-fiving (slapping your raised hand with the other person's raised hand) is another way to greet someone or show excitement.
