Hello everyone.
Body language can be a funny thing.
Depending on where you are in the world, certain gestures can either mean you're making a new
mate, or landing yourself in hot water.
In this video, we are going to look at the definitions of hand gestures around the world.
The Okay.
In most of the English-speaking world, as well as in several other countries, this hand
gesture means that everything is fine, great, okay or perfect.
In Brazil, however, it is considered a rude gesture, equivalent to the one finger salute.
The most famous example of this was in the 1950s when Richard Nixon visited Brazil and
flashed the "Ok sign" to a waiting crowd upon arriving in Rio de Janeiro, who responded
with boos!
The Horn.
In USA, this gesture is adopted by rockers as a sign of approval, and in essence, to
rock on.
But in many Mediterranean and Latin countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba,
Spain, Italy and Portugal, to make this sign at someone is to tell them
that their spouse is cheating on them.
The Fingers All Together.
In Italy, this gesture means "what is this?" or "what do you want?".
But, in Democratic Republic of Congo, this gesture is a sign for a small amount of something.
In Turkey however, it indicates that something is beautiful or well, and in Egypt, it's a
motion to show you'll only be a minute.
The Thumbs Up.
In most countries, this gesture is a sign of approval.
In some other countries however, such as Iran, Iraq or Afghanistan, this gesture is seen
as an "up yours"
The Crossed Fingers.
In the UK, Australia, USA and Canada, this gesture of crossing one's fingers is to wish
for good luck.
But it is a whole different meaning in Vietnam.
This gesture is seen as lewd in Vietnam because crossed fingers are said to resemble female
genitals.
The V Sign.
In USA, this is a harmless backwards sign for peace.
In the Uk, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand however, this sign is seen as rude and frequently
used to signify contempt or defiance towards authority.
The Come Here.
In the English-speaking countries such as UK, Australia, USA and Canada,
this gesture is used to motion somebody to come over.
But in Philippines, this gesture is considered highly offensive when motioned to another
person because this gesture is reserved for dogs.
The Point.
In European countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Austria, this is considered as
a gesture for the number 2.
In China however, it is a gesture for the number 8, and Italy, this hand gesture is
used to indicate that something is not good.
The Downwards Palm Wave.
In the UK, Australia, USA and Canada, this gesture indicates "go away" and it is usually
used to shoo somebody off.
But, in Philippines, Vietnam, India and Ghana, this gesture indicates "come here" because
having an upwards palm is cnsidered rude in these countries,
hence the downwards palm approach.
The Chin Flick.
In France, Belgium and Tunisia, the chin flick is used to express supreme disinterest, or
to tell somebody to get lost, and in Italy, it is used to express "I don't
give a damn."
The Fist And Elbow.
In many Latin countries such as Mexico and south Americans, this gesture is known as
the tacano and it means stingy, because it illustrates that the recipient
rarely extends their arm to pay the bills.
In Austria and Germany however, this gesture indicates that the recipient is an idiot,
and their brain is in their elbow.
The Forehead Fist.
In Brazil, this gesture is most effective with multiple grunts and it is done to indicate
stupidity.
The Thumb In A Fist.
In Australia, UK and Canada, the thumb in a fist is a common plaful gesture used by
adults towards children, pretending to have stolen a child's nose.
In Turkey however, this is seen as aggressive and rude.
The Outward Hand.
In Greece, Africa and Pakistan, this gesture is seen as insulting or confrontational,
as this gesture evolved from the traditional practice of rubbing dirt, faeces, or ashes
into the faces of convicts.
The Awkward Turtle.
In USA, this is used as a public acknowledgment that one's gaffe has caused social embarrassment.
And in American, sign language, this gesture means "platypus."