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.”. When we go overseas, sometimes language can be a barrier. 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. 1. 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. 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. The thumbs up sign in most American and European cultures meaning things are going according to your plans or something you approve of. So next time you're trying to hitchhike in, say, Tuscany, you should reconsider before sticking out your thumb. Things can get lost in translation, though, when a typical gesture from your country means something completely different in other parts of the world. The OK-sign (circle with thumb and index finger) 2. Thumbs up 3. 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. 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 … The OK-sign (circle with thumb and index finger) 2. In much of the world today, the thumbs up means, "O.K. 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. I am researching the meaning of different gestures in different countries. And we look at some of the faux pas you should avoid when working around the world. The Vietnamese people have a different meaning to the popular gesture. Read this article before using the OK signal, thumbs-up, or even extending a hand shake in other countries. V-sign (middle and index finger) with palm facing the speaker 4. The thumbs up sign in Middle Eastern countries, Iran, Iraq and Thailand, is an extremely obscene gesture, equivalent to flipping the finger in Europe. 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. Forearm jerk. Best bet is to carefully read up on the subject before leaving your country. 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. However, the going good sign translates into a rude and offensive gesture in Islamic and Asian countries. Thumbs Down to Thumbs Up. Contrary to Hollywood legend, Roman gladiators were not spared by a thumbs-up, but by a hidden thumb. The “thumbs up” sign was originally thought to have come from the Roman Coliseum, where the fates of gladiators were decided. 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. Starting in 2007, the thumbs-up also appeared on India's one-rupee coin. From a 'thumbs up' to looking at your watch – here's what 6 hand gestures mean in different cultures and countries. 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. It is derogatory to use on people. This positive gesture has a totally different meaning in Latin America, West Africa, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. Thumbs up 3. Suggest a correction. And sometimes, making what you think is an innocent gesture in one country can land you in hot water somewhere else. Luckily body language can help us communicate when words fail to do so. In Australia, it means OK, but if you move it up and down, it is considered as a grave insult. 1. 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). There are two neck cutting gestures with very different meanings. Read on, or watch the video, to see the hand gestures you definitely don't want to make overseas. The thumbs up sign in Middle Eastern countries, Iran, Iraq and Thailand, is an extremely obscene gesture, equivalent to flipping the finger in Europe. The thumbs up is one of the most popular hand gestures, but it has greatly different meanings depending on where you use it. V-sign with palm facing away from the speaker Many thanks! In the United States, American Sign Language users use a single thumb up tilted slightly and rapidly left and right to … Favorite Answer . This article takes a look at one of the most common signs: the thumbs-up sign. What it really means: Thumbs up is sign of approval in the US and even eventually to Zangief, but it actually translates to “up yours” in other places around the world. An essential daily guide to achieving the good life. America, Germany: The thumb rubs repeatedly over the tip of the index finger and middle finger to indicate money. … Can anyone tell me what the below mean in Japan? The meanings of non-verbal language can change from one culture to another as much as to have the opposite connotation. The thumbs up is one of the most popular hand gestures, but it has greatly different meanings depending on where you use it. 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." But make the same gesture in Brazil, and you're giving the equivalent to the middle finger — the gesture has "insulting and scatological connotations," as the New York Times put it. Thumbs up 3. Putting your thumb and index finger of one hand together. Although, it has a very rude sexual connotation in Islamic countries, Cerdeña and Greece. 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. In Australia, US, UK, Russia and Canada this is seen as a sign of approval or good job. Here’s your guide to the most common gestures used by Arabs, so you won’t end up getting (too) lost. More: Europe Travel International Destinations Video Destinations travel. Just ask any traveler who's given a thumbs-up in Afghanistan. Italy: The chin flick. 1. 6 Answers. America: It’s not commonly used, but it means an animal ears or horns. 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. 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. The “V” gesture. Avoid Using In: United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.. Thumbs-Up. South Korea: It’s a similar gesture, but without the rubbing, to make a small heart. The thumbs up emoji is, for many of us, an easy way to convey our approval or agreement without having to type actual words. China: This is the same as giving the thumbs down sign. Anonymous. The Meaning of Hand Gestures in different Countries Thumbs up. Saying goodbye the way Americans do it can be interpreted in some parts of Europe and Latin America as the sign for saying ‘no’. 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. This gesture of agreement or approval is an easy reflex when language barriers are at play. The thumbs-up signals approval in the U.S. and on Facebook, but in … 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. Luckily body language can help us communicate when words fail to do so. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. The OK-sign (circle with thumb and index finger) 2. Common hand gestures used in the United States carry very different meanings in other cultures. I am researching the meaning of different gestures in different countries. It's used the same way the middle finger is in the US. The thumbs up gesture is used on the logo of Thums Up, a popular brand of cola from India. Richard Nixon once raised some eyebrows in the 1950s when he made the gesture in Brazil as he stepped off a plane. However, the going good sign translates into a rude and offensive gesture in Islamic and Asian countries. 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 same hand gestures could mean different things in other countries. Thumbs up is perhaps the most common of hand gestures and one that has been used for thousands of years. Thumbs Up. 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. America: Peace. However, in several countries in West Africa and the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the gesture has the connotation of "up yours!" It is often used just to be silly or to imitate an animal while playing with children.Japan: Also known as the “demon horns,” index fingers pointing up behind the head is used to describe that the signer is angry. what does a thumbs up mean in other countries? This is the action of punching your fist into your elbow joint while raising the other fist … The gesture is often performed by flicking the V up from the wrist or elbow. OK sign. 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. The same hand gestures could mean different things in other countries. 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. 1. But in some parts of the world, such as West Africa and the Middle … This gesture is often seen in Filipino culture when people try to let others know they did well. Hand gestures mean different things in different countries. or "Sit on this!" We mean to say one thing, but the locals understood it to be something else. 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. Making a circle with your thumb and your index finger … English-speaking Caucasians use it to signal ‘OK’, which is same meaning as O.K. However, in Latin America, West Africa and Iran the thumbs up basically means an “up yours.” Thumbs-up definition is - an instance or gesture of approval or encouragement. How the thumbs up became an upbeat gesture in the first place is something of a mystery. Be aware though – not all hand gestures have the same meaning in all countries! V in Australia and England. 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. 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. It’s akin to one child sticking a … © 2015 HowStuffWorks, a division of Infospace LLC Thumbs down on the thumbs-up sign when you're traveling. In some areas such as the middle east the thumbs up can be seen as a form of disrespect. When we go overseas, sometimes language can be a barrier. Sign up for a daily selection of our best stories — based on your reading preferences. A symbol for scuba divers everywhere, this sign is actually super rude in some countries. Sometimes the gesture is made with the 3 fingers at the bottom.Brazil: A rude gesture. Thumbs up & thumbs up emoji. 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.” The thumbs-up gesture is commonly used in many cultures to signify a job well done. It means “love.”. Legend has it that the signal dates back to Roman gladiatorial contests. All those gestures have offensive connotations away from American soil. I am researching the meaning of different gestures in different countries. ", "Yes", or "I approve." Try to avoid it in Thailand, though, where it’s a sign of condemnation. “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 … In English, it is popularly known as 'thumbs up', despite the fact that the action is commonly performed with only one hand. The thumbs up sign in most American and European cultures meaning things are going according to your plans or something you approve of. Making a circle with your thumb and your index finger is how to signal "OK" in the US. Heavy metal fans are familiar with the so-called "sign of the horns" or "devil horns," made by extending the index finger and pinky. Are there any other hand gestures you know that mean something completely different in other countries? In America, this usually means, "Great job!" In most cultures, crossing your fingers means you're hoping for good luck. Thumbs up/down, "OK", pointing at someone or yourself, rubbing fingers together ("money" in the US), even waving with your left hand. But it is not the case in Bangladesh. Favorite Answer In some areas such as the middle east the thumbs up can be seen as a form of disrespect. 3. In Australia, it means OK, but if you move it up and down, it is considered as a grave insult. Thumbs up. The thumbs up, the "OK" sign, and crossing your fingers are all examples of gestures that are vulgar in certain places outside the US. Best bet is to carefully read up on the subject before leaving your country. 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. By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Business Insider 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. 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. 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. In many countries in the West and in some parts of Asia, giving the ”thumbs up” sign is an indication that you agree or approve something. Knowing how to sign numbers is especially useful when bargaining in China. The thumbs-up sign consists of a closed fist held with the thumb extended upward. The ‘thumbs up’ sign is used in many cultures to mean ‘OK’, in France it can mean number 1. 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. Pointing Finger: Often a Rude Gesture in Any Country or Culture. No playing "Heads Up 7-Up" in Thailand, Iran, Afghanistan, and Greece. Other studies suggest they come from WWII pilots signalling each other in the air. And you could get arrested for using it. Thumbs-up in Thailand. The thumbs-up sign has been confusing people for thousands of years. 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). It almost makes one want to stay at home... – Phil Perry May 13 '14 at 20:19 Thumbs-Up The thumbs-up signals approval in the U.S. and on Facebook, but in Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece, it means "up yours." The thumbs-up gesture is a sign of approval in most countries. This seemingly-innocuous gesture that means, "Great! We mean to say one thing, but the locals understood it to be something else. 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. 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