Types of gestures

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Gestures are a form of body language or non-verbal communication. Although some gestures, such as the ubiquitous act of pointing, differ little from one place to another, most gestures do not have invariable or universal meanings, having specific connotations only in certain cultures. This page describes examples of the so-called emblems or quotable gestures. These are culture specific gestures that can be used as replacement for words. Communities have repertoires of such gestures. A single emblematic gesture can have very different significance in different cultural contexts, ranging from complimentary to highly offensive.^[1]

This page includes short descriptions of some gestures. Additional gestures with their own encyclopedic entries are listed at List of gestures.

Contents 1 Using one hand 1.1 Beckoning sign 1.2 Benediction and blessing 1.3 Blah-blah 1.4 Check, please 1.5 Clenched fist 1.6 Clinton thumb 1.7 Cuckoo sign, touched or screw loose 1.8 Fig sign 1.9 Hanging 1.10 How sad 1.11 I-love-you sign 1.12 I'm watching (you) 1.13 Money sign 1.14 Patience 1.15 Pointing with index finger 1.16 Shush 1.17 Shut my mouth 1.18 "Thanks!" salute 1.19 Thumbs up, thumbs down 1.20 Tsk-tsk 1.21 Wave 1.22 Whoop-dee-doo 2 Using two hands 2.1 Asking for the time 2.2 Warding off evil 2.3 Finger on nose and point 2.4 Gills 2.5 Scream 2.6 Shame on you 2.7 Tea? 2.8 Time-out 2.9 Batsu 2.10 X-Factor 3 Hand with body gestures 3.1 Biting one's thumb 3.2 Biting one's hand 3.3 Bad smell 3.4 Bowing, kneeling, kowtowing 3.5 Choking sign 3.6 Drinking sign 3.7 Flipping the fingers out from under the chin 3.8 Facepalm 3.9 Hand over heart 3.10 Nonsense 3.11 Nose goes 3.12 Na na na na na 3.13 Over the head 3.14 Suck it 3.15 Throat slash 3.16 Thumbing the nose 3.17 Twisting the cheek 3.18 Wiping the forehead 3.19 Polishing one's fingernails 3.20 One point to me 4 Body and facial gestures 4.1 Anasyrma 4.2 Eye-rolling 4.3 The peacock 4.4 Pointing with chin or lips 5 References

Using one hand

Beckoning sign

In North America or Northern Europe a beckoning sign is made with the index finger sticking out of the clenched fist, palm facing the gesturer. The finger moves repeatedly towards the gesturer (in a hook) as to draw something nearer. It has the general meaning of "come here."^[2]

In several Asian and European countries, a beckoning sign is made with a scratching motion with all four fingers and with the palm down.^[3]

In Japan there is a similar gesture, but the palm faces the recipient and the hand is at head's height. This is the gesture featured in the maneki neko.^[4]

In Northern Africa (Maghreb), calling someone is done using the full hand. ^[5]

Benediction and blessing

The benediction gesture is a raised right hand with the ring and little finger fingers touching the palm, while the middle and index fingers remain raised. Taken from Ancient Roman iconography for speaking (an example is the Augustus of Prima Porta where the emperor Augustus assumes the pose of an orator in addressing his troops), often called the benediction gesture, is used by the Christian clergy to perform blessings with the sign of the cross; however Christians keep the thumb raised - the three raised fingers (index, middle, and thumb) are frequently allegorically interpreted as representing the three Persons of the Holy Trinity. It was shown in representations of Jesus as Christ Pantocrator.^{[citation needed]}

Blah-blah

The fingers are kept straight and together, held horizontal or upwards, while the thumb points downwards. The fingers and thumb then snap together repeatedly to suggest a mouth talking. The gesture can be used to indicate that someone talks too much, gossips, or is boring.^[6]

Check, please

This gesture, used to mean that a dinner patron wishes to pay the bill and depart, is executed by touching the index finger and thumb together and "writing" a checkmark, circle, or wavy line (as if signing one's name) in the air.^[6]

In Egypt, the left hand is held palm-out and the right, palm-down, is tapped against the left wrist to request the check.^{[citation needed]}

In Japan, two index fingers crossing to form an X can also be used to signal for a check.^{[citation needed]}

In the Philippines, one outlines a rectangle in the air using the thumb and forefinger of both hands.^{[citation needed]}

Clenched fist

A clenched fist is used as a gesture of defiance or solidarity by a number of groups. It is especially associated with revolutionary or would-be revolutionary movements. When singing The Internationale, the Marxist anthem, it is customary to make this gesture.

In US military, the right fist raised up with a straight arm, with the finger side towards the receiver, is an order for the person to stop immediately—to "freeze".^[7]

American Football referees use a raised fist to indicate that a team faces fourth down.

In the United States, shaking a clenched fist may indicate anger, resentment, or opposition.^[3]

Clinton thumb

The gesture dubbed the "Clinton thumb" after one of its most famous users, Bill Clinton, is used by politicians to provide emphasis in speeches without pointing the finger. This gesture has the thumb leaning against the thumb-side portion of the index finger, which is part of a closed fist. It does not exhibit the anger of the clenched fist or pointing finger, and so is thought to be less threatening.^[8] This gesture was likely adopted by Clinton from John F. Kennedy, who can be seen using it in many speeches during his political career.^[9] It is often used in extemporaneous speech and debate, as a tool for emphasizing points.

Cuckoo sign, touched or screw loose

In North America, making a circling motion of the index finger at the ear or side of the head signifies that the person "has a screw loose," i.e. is speaking nonsense or is crazy.^[6][3]

Tapping one's index finger against the head indicates that a person or an idea being discussed is insane or "touched in the head".^{[citation needed]} In Germany, tapping or pointing to the temple is used as an insult, often with the accompanying phrase "du hast einen Vogel." While this literally means "You have a bird [in your head]," it is idiomatic for saying that the receiver is insane. Also, in Indonesia, drawing a line across the forehead with the side of the right index finger denotes a similar meaning.^{[citation needed]}

Fig sign

The "fig sign" is a gesture made with the hand and fingers curled and the thumb thrust between the middle and index fingers, or, rarely, the middle and ring fingers, forming the fist so that the thumb partly pokes out. In some areas of the world, the gesture is considered a good luck charm, in others it is considered an obscene gesture. The precise origin of the gesture is unknown, but many historians speculate that it refers to female genitalia.^[6]

This gesture is also the letter "T" in the American manual alphabet. In International Sign, which otherwise uses the same manual alphabet, "T" has been modified to avoid possible offense.^{[citation needed]}

In ancient Greece, this gesture was a fertility and good luck charm designed to ward off evil. This usage has survived in Portugal and Brazil, where carved images of hands in this gesture are used in good luck talismans.^[6]

Also known as the Sicilian Fist in Sicily, the symbol is worn as a good luck charm.^{[citation needed]}

The obscenity relates to an incident during the Middle Ages, when the prisoners from a captured city were offered their lives, if they humiliated themselves by eating a fig from a donkey's anus. The gesture represents the fig, on offer. This also relates to "Biting one's thumb".^{[citation needed]}

In many other cultures, such as Greece, Indonesia, Turkey, Cyprus and Russia, the sign has come to have an insulting meaning roughly equivalent to "screw you", based on the thumb being seen as representing a clitoris or sexual intercourse. In modern Russia this gesture is used mostly by kids with the meaning "screw you" or "no way". The same meaning is expressed by adults either with bent elbow (rude, very emphatic, non-classy), or with a "finger" (used mostly by city dwellers). The "finger" made it to Russian gesture language from Western movies.^{[citation needed]}

In some Balkan countries, particularly in the regions of Bosnia, Serbia, or Croatia, the "fig" sign is addressed as the "šipak" or "figa" (the most common use in Croatia), having the same connotation. In both contrast and comparison to the modern Russian "screw you/no way" meaning of the gesture, the sign is used, almost exclusively in situations aimed at being comical, to mean "nothing". For example, if one was to ask another person, usually a close affiliate, what they are to receive, either as a gift or something that the person expects the affiliate to give them, the affiliate would then form the šipak and present it in front of the other person (sometimes saying "šipak" as well). While the modern Russian meaning is almost exclusively used among children, the gesture's meaning amongst the certain Balkan regions are used by, but not limited to, children, as adults have also been known to use the gesture either with another adult or with a child (usually their own) in a comical manner.^{[citation needed]}

In Turkey, taking that fist, placing it in the left hand and then pushing it out to make a slapping sound with the wrist of the right hand is even more offensive, and is usually accompanied by a string of obscenities. These gestures are often seen at football games.^{[citation needed]}

The gesture is also used in a trick played by adults and parents, with the intention of convincing their child that his or her nose has been taken away. Someone, usually an adult, grabs at the child's nose and forms the fig sign, exclaiming, "I've got your nose, I've got your nose!" The thumb is supposed to be the child's removed nose.^{[citation needed]}

Many neopagans use this gesture as a symbol of the mother goddess to help adherents identify one another. In this context, it is referred to as the "Sign of the Goddess". Its counterpart is the corna sign.^{[citation needed]}

In The Gnostic Mass of Aleister Crowley, this gesture is assumed by the priest throughout the Mass when his lance is not in his hand. It is a phallic device and symbolizes copulation, the fruit of which is a fig, traditionally appropriated to Jupiter the phallic sky god. The use of "the ficus" in the Gnostic Mass replaces the sign of benediction (mentioned above) used in Christian ceremonies.^{[citation needed]}

Hanging

This gesture is performed by holding a clenched fist at the side of the head, tilting one's head away from one's fist, and making a choking sound. It may also be accompanied by hanging the tongue loosely out of one's mouth, and rolling of the eyes back into the head. It is generally used to signify "what I would rather be doing". It can also be used to show suicide.^{[citation needed]}

This gesture has been somewhat replaced by contemporary youth by mimicking a gun being shot at one's own temple or into one's own mouth, with much the same meaning.^{[citation needed]}

How sad

This gesture (also called "Playing the World's Smallest Violin" or "The world's Smallest Violin Playing Hearts and Flowers") is made by rubbing the thumb and index finger together, to imitate the movement of the bow. It is used to show lack of sympathy for someone telling a sad story: equivalent to a sarcastic "break out the violins." A related gesture, in which both thumbs and both index fingers rub the adjacent finger simultaneously, is known as "Playing the World's Smallest String Quartet".^{[citation needed]}

In Italy, Portugal and Spain and to a lesser extent in North America, the gesture may be seen as a reference to money, as it can also resemble the act of counting notes or rubbing two coins together.^{[citation needed]}

Specifically in Spain, it refers generally to money, and exact meaning depends on the context. Performing the gesture while talking about a certain person or business means "this person is very rich" or "this business is very profitable", while in another context it may mean "this is very expensive" or "what's in for me?".^{[citation needed]}

I-love-you sign

Made using a combination of the letters 'I', 'L', and 'Y' from American Sign Language. It is made by extending the thumb, index finger, and little finger while the middle and ring finger touch the palm.^[10]

I'm watching (you)

Is used by pointing the index and middle finger at the eyes and then pointing the index finger at the person. Usually used in a hostile manner to tell a person that they are suspicious of them and will be watching closely.^{[citation needed]}

Money sign

The thumb rubs repeatedly over the tip of the index finger and middle finger. This gesture resembles the act of rubbing coins or bills together and is generally used when speaking about money.^[6]

Patience

Palm up, index and middle fingers touching the thumb, remaining fingers folded against the palm, and wrist bending slightly, up and down about three times, so that the touching fingers move toward and away from the gesturer. This gesture is used as a reproachful and exasperated request for patience in response to a request to be served immediately out of turn or for something to happen faster than is possible.

A Middle Eastern variation consists of combining the tips of all four fingers and the thumb into a cone facing upwards, generally with the hand partly upraised to between chest and face height. Emphasis can be added by bouncing the hand up and down a few times, to the accompaniment of the imperative "savlanut" ("Patience!") or "rega" (Wait!)^{[citation needed]}

Pointing with index finger

In North America, an extended index finger may be used to point at something.^[3]

Shush

This gesture is used to demand or request silence from those to whom it is directed. The index finger of one hand is extended, with the remaining fingers curled toward the palm with the thumb forming a fist. The index finger is placed vertically in front of the lips. Often, the lips will be formed as if to make a "shh" sound, whether or not a sound is made.^{[citation needed]}

An alternate gesture specifically meaning "stop talking" involves the thumb and forefinger moving horizontally across the lips, as if one would be closing a zipper.^{[citation needed]}

To further exaggerate on the action, some place their index finger and thumb together, curl the other fingers towards the palm and twist their hand in a fashion similar to locking a door. This is done after zipping the mouth and while their hand is still at the corner of their lips. Some may also imitate throwing the key away so as to show that the person should not open their mouths.^{[citation needed]}

This action of zipping the mouth and throwing away the key may also take on the meaning of telling someone that you will keep your mouth shut about a secret.^{[citation needed]}

Shut my mouth

The closed mouth is covered by the palm of one hand, or the fingers or even fingertips of the hand instead (with the fingers straight and flat, parallel and touching).^{[citation needed]}

This gesture is used as an acknowledgement of (and apology for) having said or done something wrong. This gesture is typically used in a case where the person regrets—or pretends to regret—having said or having done something, but where it is too late to undo the utterance or action.^{[citation needed]}

This gesture is analogous to the Shush gesture, but unlike that gesture, [a] its "be quiet" message is directed at the gesturer himself; and [b] the mistake referred to need not be a verbal (spoken) one but can be some non-verbal act that has turned out to have been an error. The meaning of the gesture includes an indication that the gesturer realizes that some mistake has been made, and regrets the error.^{[citation needed]}

"Thanks!" salute

Another gesture familiar from vintage cartoons, this is performed by sweeping an opened hand from near one's brow toward the person being addressed, and expresses gratitude.^{[citation needed]}

Thumbs up, thumbs down

A closed fist held with the thumb extended upward or downward is a gesture of approval or disapproval, respectively. These gestures have become metaphors in English: "My boss gave my proposal the thumbs-up" means that the boss approved the proposal, regardless of whether the gesture was made — indeed, the gesture itself is unlikely in a business setting.^{[citation needed]}

The source of the gesture is obscure. Though a favorite of Hollywood sword and sandal epics, where the "thumbs down" symbol means that the loser in a gladiatorial combat should be put to death, recent research suggests the meanings of the symbols have changed over the years. In 1997, Professor Anthony Philip Corbeill of the University of Kansas concluded that the thumbs up actually meant "Kill him," basing his assertion on a study of hundreds of ancient artworks. The crowds would point their thumbs "up", the thumb pointing to the throat which held a similar meaning to moving one's thumb across their throat. Thus, the "thumbs up" was an approval of the gladiator's request to kill his vanquished foe rather than a vote to allow the defeated to remain alive. Corbeill wrote that a closed fist with a wraparound thumb was the indication for a gladiator's life to be spared.

In Latin, the "thumbs up" gesture is called pollice recto, "thumbs down" is pollice verso. It is not certain that the contemporary gestures are identical to the gestures performed in ancient Rome. The current version was popularized by a widely reproduced academic painting by the 19th century artist Jean-Léon Gérôme, whose Pollice Verso depicts a triumphant gladiator standing over a fallen foe, looking up into the bleachers for the verdict of the crowd.^{[citation needed]}

Additionally, Desmond Morris' Gestures: Their Origins and Distribution traces the practice back to a medieval custom used to seal business transactions... Over time, the mere sight of an upraised thumb came to symbolize harmony and kind feelings... The gesture's popularization in America is generally attributed to the practices of World War II pilots, who used the thumbs up to communicate with ground crews prior to take-off. American GIs are reputed to have picked up on the thumb and spread it throughout Europe as they marched toward Berlin."^[11]

More recently, these gestures are associated with movie reviews, having been popularized by Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert in their televised reviews — the thumb up meaning a positive opinion of a film; the thumb down meaning a negative one. One or two thumbs up, often held over the head, may also be used by athletes in celebration of a victory.^{[citation needed]}

"'Thumbs up' traditionally translates as the foulest of Middle-Eastern gesticular insults — the most straightforward interpretation is 'Up yours, pal!' The sign has a similarly pejorative meaning in parts of West Africa, South America, Iran, Greece, and Sardinia, according to Roger E. Axtell's book Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World."^[12]

Hitchhikers traditionally use a thumbs up gesture to solicit rides from oncoming vehicles, although in this presentation the arm is generally outstretched with the palm and closed fingers facing the motorist. People who have the genetic ability to bend the tip of their thumb backwards are said to have "hitchhiker's thumb", which is a reference to the original gesture.

Thumbs up and thumbs down are extensively used in scuba diving as commands to ascend or descend.^{[citation needed]}

Tsk-tsk

Palm towards the recipient, all fingers except the index closed in a fist with the palm toward the recipient, and the index finger is upright and waggles alternatingly from left to right, like a metronome. Alternatively, the finger can remain rigid while the entire hand bends to the left and right at the wrist. In English-speaking countries both methods have a disapproving meaning and can be accompanied by a "tsk-tsk" or "no-no" sound. This is also known as "finger-wagging".^{[citation needed]}

In Italy and Brazil it simply means "no", and does not have any patronizing connotation.^{[citation needed]}

Wave

A wave is a gesture in which the hand is raised and moved back and forth, as a greeting or sign of departure. The gesture can be used to attract attention at a distance. Most commonly, though, the gesture means simply "hello" or "goodbye".^[6][13]

Whoop-dee-doo

Point the index finger up and rotate it. This simulates the waving of a tiny, sarcastic flag and is a usually used as a response gesture to indicate something is uninteresting or irrelevant. Similar to saying a sarcastic "Whoop-dee-doo" or "Big deal".^{[citation needed]}

Using two hands

Asking for the time

A silent way of asking someone else what time it is. One hand is bent down at the wrist, while the index finger on the other hand is used to tap the bent wrist as if pointing to a wristwatch.^{[citation needed]}

Warding off evil

Made by crossing the index fingers of both hands, with one finger vertical and the other horizontal, with both hands extended in front of oneself toward the source of 'evil'. Typically used as the sign of the cross to ward off vampires in movies.^{[citation needed]}

This gesture can also be used jokingly as a means of saying, "Get back!", or, "No way, that's bad!"^{[citation needed]}

Finger on nose and point

Simultaneously bringing the index finger of one hand to the point of your nose, and pointing at someone with the index finger of the other hand means 'you've got it' or 'you've hit it on the nose'. For example, if you are explaining something, and the other person suddenly makes a statement which demonstrates complete understanding - 'you've got it'.^{[citation needed]}

Gills

This gesture involves holding the backs of the wrists against the jawline (with elbows outstretched) and then waggling one's fingers. The gesture is often accompanied by a feminine-voiced "Ooooo!" which rises and falls in intonation. It is used when one would normally say (sarcastically) "well aren't you clever?", or to imply that someone is acting too posh for their station.^{[citation needed]}

Scream

The palms are against the sides of the face, eyes wide and mouth open round. This gesture is depicted in Edvard Munch's The Scream. It is used to express great horror. A similar gesture, placing the hands against the front of the face, little fingers parallel and touching, can express sadness, remorse, or speechlessness over any bad event.^{[citation needed]}

Shame on you

This gesture involves pointing at a person with the index finger of one hand while rubbing the pointed finger with the index finger of the opposite hand. The rubbing motion is directed toward the intended recipient and is repeated at least twice. It is used to imply that the targeted person should feel shame.^{[citation needed]}

In Flanders, Denmark, France and also in the German-speaking countries, this gesture is used in children games to indicate "we got you/we're smarter than you/we laugh at you", often accompanied by the mocking sing-song "AhahahaHAha!" shouted out loudly.^{[citation needed]}

A variation exists where a person holds out their hand, usually at elbow level, with an open hand, the palm facing upwards, and fingers pointing in the receiver's direction and then using the other hand in the form of a fist, and rubbing it across the palm of the open hand as if stirring a pot. In some Middle-Eastern cultures, used mainly by children, this can also mean that receiver's plan (usually a prank or trick) has been foiled.^{[citation needed]}

Tea?

Similar to the "time-out" gesture, here the vertical bar of the "T" is formed with the index finger of the opposite hand instead of the whole hand. It is used, primarily in Britain, to silently offer the recipient a cup of tea.^{[citation needed]}

Time-out

The "time-out" gesture—a "T" formed with the hands, with one hand with flat palm placed perpendicular to the other hand with flat palm, roughly in the center — originates in American sports. It is used by players to signal for a time out, or brief pause in play. In basketball, the gesture is additionally used by referees to indicate that a player or coach is guilty of a technical foul. In the Northern California Hyphy movement the gesture is known as "puttin' your T's up" and indicates a preference for MDMA , colloquially known as "thizz." The gesture was popularized by Hyphy icon Mac Dre, who was notorious for his use of MDMA.^{[citation needed]}

In Portugal this gesture is used to say "Please give me some time" (or some more time).^{[citation needed]}

Batsu

In Japanese culture, the batsu (literally: ×-mark) is a gesture made by crossing one's arms in the shape of an "X" in front of them in order to indicate that something is "wrong" or "no good".^[14]

X-Factor

The X-Factor is a gesture used by many athletes (usually pro) as a way of "showing off" or gloating. It is done by crossing your arms so they form an "X" and raising them slightly above eye level. (this gesture is seen in the video game NFL Street.)^{[citation needed]} In Japan and Hawaii, it is a signal to bus-drivers that you are not taking their bus. More importantly it means no in Japan.^{[citation needed]} The same gesture can also be made less emphatically by crossing the fingers instead of the arms, to avoid causing embarrassment to the recipient.^{[citation needed]}

However, if you are in the audience or watching the talent reality show America's Got Talent, that means the act is bad and that the judges should "X" them out. This variation uses fists. This was very heavily evidenced in the Season 2 audition episodes.^{[citation needed]}

Hand with body gestures

Biting one's thumb

Biting one's thumb was an old rude British gesture. It is comparable to "the Finger" in modern terms. In William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, Capulet's servant Sampson precipitates a brawl by biting his thumb at the Montague's servant Abraham (Act 1, Scene 1). In the scene it appears that biting one's thumb in Verona is a non-verbal equivalent of fighting words. Sampson explains the meaning of the gesture to his companion Gregory, suggesting that the gesture could have been unfamiliar even to the original audience of the play.^[15] The play does not describe the gesture in detail, but in performances of the play it is often enacted by placing the thumb upright (as in a "thumbs up" sign) just behind the upper incisors, then flicking the thumb outward in the direction of person the gesture is meant to insult. The gesture implies cowardice, someone who would "take the fig"

The gesture does not literally involve biting the thumb. The fingernail of a thumb is placed behind the upper teeth, with the thumb thus pointing upwards, and the thumb is then bent forwards, the fingernail making a clicking sound as it flicks past the teeth.^{[citation needed]}

The gesture is also a traditional Sicilian insult meaning 'to hell with you'.^[16]

Biting one's hand

In Sicily, biting one's flat hand or fist is a powerful threat.^{[citation needed]}

Bad smell

Can be indicated two ways. One is made by pinching the nostrils of one's nose with the thumb and index finger. Gesture usually signifies a bad smell, and can be exaggerated or emphasized by elevating the hand above the nose while maintaining the pinch and spreading the remaining fingers out and upward as far as possible, along with tilting one's head slightly backward, flaring the nostrils, and wrinkling the upper lip, and optionally uttering the sound "pee-yew". The other way is to wave one's flattened hand in front of the nose, motioning as if to fan away an odor from the nose.^{[citation needed]}

Can also be used to jokingly signify something going on is rotten, or an idea stinks.^{[citation needed]}

Bowing, kneeling, kowtowing

A bow is a gesture involving lowering the head, or holding the hands along a person's body and bowing from the waist. It is usually used as a greeting to show respect, rather than acknowledging superiority of the receiver. Various cultures have different degrees or ways of performing the bow; China and Japan are particularly associated with elaborate and formal bowing. Bowing is also done by many groups as a ritual associated with prayer. In the Western world, women curtsey rather than bow. Kneeling and "kowtowing" are more extreme or elaborate forms of self-abasement before a social superior.^{[citation needed]}

Choking sign

The standard gesture to indicate that one is choking is to hold the throat with one or both hands as if strangling oneself. This is recognized as a request for immediate first aid for choking. It is promoted as a way to prevent onlookers from confusing the victim's distress with some other problem, such as a heart attack, when the person cannot speak. The gesture is sometimes used metaphorically to refer to someone or something "choking" in the slang sense of failing at something while under pressure, for instance at an athletic event. It is also sometimes used with the thumbs touching and the fingers facing outwards or curled as a sign of anger or frustration and refers to the desire to choke or strangle someone.^{[citation needed]}

Drinking sign

In UK, the gesture for drinking (used for example as an invitation to "go down the pub") is made by putting the back of the thumb just below the lower lip, while the other fingers are close together as if holding an imaginary pint of beer, tipping it repeatedly. This gesture can also be used to imply that somebody is drunk, either literally or insultingly. In other countries, the shaka sign is used in a similar way, as described above. In Poland and some other eastern European countries, the gesture for drinking (or drunk) is made by stroking your finger nails on either side of your neck back and forth repeatedly, as if making the "wanker" gesture.^{[citation needed]}

Flipping the fingers out from under the chin

A traditional Sicilian gesture analogous in meaning to the raised middle finger. This gesture became the center of a controversy in March 2006, when Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia was photographed allegedly making the gesture to illustrate his response to his critics. Scalia later claimed that he used a different gesture, waving his fingers beneath his chin, a gesture translating to "I couldn't care less."^{[citation needed]}

Facepalm

This gesture indicates stupidity, usually a minor and immediately recognized slip of logic, judgment, or speech; and is performed by striking the forehead with the heel of the hand. Performed without the strike by simply covering the face with a hand, it means self-shame or bad memory (something forgotten).^{[citation needed]}

Hand over heart

This gesture involves placing one's right hand, palm outstretched and facing in, over one's heart. Male hat or cap wearers typically remove their hats and hold them in this hand. In some cultures, it is used as a gesture of respect towards flags or during singing of a national anthem. In the United States, it is also performed as a part of the rituals of the Pledge of Allegiance. It can also be used to indicate sincerity, shock, or hurt; in which case, a balled hand has the same meaning.^{[citation needed]}

Nonsense

Performed by waving the palm of your hand in front of your face, with the palm facing out, it may be used to tell another person that an idea he or she had was nonsense.^{[citation needed]}

In Portugal, this gesture usually means the person being referred to missed an extremely obvious detail. It is frequently accompanied — or used instead of — the exclamation duh.^{[citation needed]}

Nose goes

The finger to nose gesture can also be used as very informal decision-making tool, and is popular among younger generations. The motion can be used to indicate that one is "not it," and is usually used when divvying up chores or other undesirable tasks while in a group. The last member of a group to indicate with this symbol becomes the one tasked with completing this chore. "Tie breakers" vary by region, but can include touching an elbow with the free hand or taking a knee.^{[citation needed]}

A variation of this gesture in Brazil involved giving the thumbs up with both fists touching in front of the body. As with "Nose Goes" the last to put their hands up performs the action.^{[citation needed]}

Na na na na na

This gesture is made by placing both thumbs in their respective ear with the palms of both hands facing forward and waggling the fingers, can be exaggerated or emphasized by exclaiming, "Na na na na na!" in a sing-song childish voice, or alternatively, "Nanny nanny boo boo!", and is also frequently accompanied by blowing a raspberry, or by sticking out the tongue. The meaning is identical to thumbing one's nose, as playful mockery.^{[citation needed]}

Over the head

A hand is extended and passed over the head from front to back with the palm facing down toward the head. This is often accompanied with a zinging or whooshing sound, whistling or an exclamation of "Over your head!". This indicates that the receiver has failed to comprehend or notice something obvious.^{[citation needed]}

Suck it

Also known as a "crotch chop," this gesture is performed by crossing the outstretched arms across the thighs, putting emphasis on the groin.^{[citation needed]}

There is a variation in which a fist is made and shaken near the mouth while pushing one's tongue against the inside of the cheek, to mimic fellatio.^{[citation needed]}

Throat slash

A sign is made by moving one's finger across one's throat; the gesture imitates cutting a person's throat with a blade. The gesture indicates strong disapproval, extreme anger, or displeasure with others or with oneself.^[6]

This gesture can also mean to "cut," "stop," or to discontinue a particular action, though this is usually done with the palm facing downwards and the index, middle, ring, and small fingers sweeping quickly across the throat. It can also be used to indicate something has ended or a previous process has concluded. Scuba divers use this gesture with the palm swept across the throat to indicate that they have run out of air.^{[citation needed]}

Thumbing the nose

A sign of derision in Britain made by putting your thumb on your nose and wiggling your fingers.^[2] This gesture is also known as Anne's Fan or Queen Anne's Fan,^[17] and is sometimes referred to as cocking a snook.^[18]

Twisting the cheek

Thumb and forefinger are placed against the cheek, and a screwing motion, as if making a dimple, is made by twisting the wrist. In Italian culture this can mean "I see a pretty girl" or that something is delicious. In Germany the gesture can be used to suggest that someone is crazy.^[2]

Wiping the forehead

The act of drawing the hand, generally palm outward, across the forehead (regardless of whether sweat has actually formed there) is a gesture that resembles wiping sweat off one's brow. It can expresses relief after an anxious situation (accompanied by words such as "Whew!" or "That was close.") or after some hard work (accompanied by words like "What a day."), or to express feeling hot. Not to be confused with rubbing the forehead, an indication of a real or metaphorical headache.^{[citation needed]}

Polishing one's fingernails

One breathes on one's fingernails, then polishes them on one's clothing. This means "I have done something really clever", but (at least in the UK) is not particularly smug. Also known as buffing one's nails or "nail buffing."^{[citation needed]}

One point to me

The index finger is licked, moistening the tip (actually or nearly) and the hand is outstretched in front of oneself (other fingers closed to make a "point" sign) and wiped in a downward motion, as if to mark a 1 in the dust of a chalk blackboard. This is done in a show of one-up-man-ship, as in "one to me" or "score one point to me".^{[citation needed]}

Body and facial gestures

Many gestures utilize only the face or body, without the hands.

Anasyrma

Anasyrma, the gesture of lifting up the skirt or kilt, is traceable back to European antiquity. It is used in connection with certain religious rituals, eroticism, and lewd jokes.^[19]

Eye-rolling

Performed by rotating the eyes upward and back down. It can indicate incredulity, contempt, boredom, frustration, or exasperation. The gesture can be unconscious or can be performed consciously. The gesture occurs in many countries of the world, and is especially common among adolescents.^[6]

The peacock

Expresses superiority or domination combined with a certain degree of smug arrogance. Performed by pushing the chest up and out at the front as well as tilting the face slightly upward. This may be accompanied by motions of hooking both thumbs under one's lapels or suspenders even if they are not present.^{[citation needed]}

Pointing with chin or lips

A direction may be pointed by chin, e.g., when the arms are doing something else: the head is turned in the corresponding direction and the chin is slightly jerked up and in the pointed direction. This is also used as a greeting in some regions in the U.S. and Europe, usually among young men.^{[citation needed]}

A direction may be pointed with the lips, in the same fashion as it is done with the chin. Lips are pointed as in an air kiss.^{[citation needed]}

References

v • d • e Gestures Friendly gestures A-ok · Air kiss · Cheek kissing · Doff / hat tip · Dap greeting · Elbow bump · Eskimo kissing · Fist bump · High five · Namaste · Shaka · Thumbs up · Wai Formal gestures Bowing · Curtsey · Hand-kissing · Handshaking · Genuflection · Kowtow Salutes Salute · Bellamy salute · Hitler salute · Roman salute · Scout sign and salute · Three-finger salute · Two-finger salute Celebration gestures Applause · Fist pump · Victory clasp · Gator Chomp · Gig 'em Aggies · Guns Up · High five/Gimme five · Pitchfork/Trident · Sic 'em Bears · Tomahawk Chop · Hook 'em Horns · Cougar Paw Obscene gestures Bras d'honneur · Sign of the horns · Finger · Mooning · Shocker · Moutza · V sign · Wanker Finger counting Chinese number gestures  · Chisanbop  · Finger binary Other Air quotes · Anasyrma · Articulatory gestures · Crossed fingers · Finger gun · Gang signal · Hand-rubbing · Head bobble · Jazz hands · Lock and fly · Loser · Manual communication · Mudra · Nod · Poke · Pollice verso · Puppy face · Raised fist · Rock-paper-scissors  · Shrug · Sign of the Cross · Types of gestures · Varadamudra · V sign · Vulcan salute List of gestures