Ok hand gesture. Finger signs meaning among young people
In most cases, a person supplements his speech with gestures. Often we make movements involuntarily, that is, without thinking about their meaning. In addition, with the help of gestures, you can find out the information of interest from a foreign citizen, for example, while traveling. In the article, we will look at what popular finger gestures mean.
Gesture Meanings
Victoria
The V-shaped gesture is shown with the index and middle fingers. The sign means "peace" and "victory". However, in a number of states (Great Britain, Ireland, Australia) the gesture is offensive if the palm is turned towards the person.
Muntz
Gesture in the form of an outstretched hand. Usually means a request to stop.
In Greece, this gesture is considered offensive.
OK
A gesture in the form of a ring, which is formed by connecting the index and thumb means "all right".
In the capital of Italy, the sign means "worthless". And in Japan, the gesture means "money".
thumb up and down
A thumbs up signifies agreement and approval. Often the sign is used while hitchhiking to catch a car.
In Thailand, this gesture is a sign of condemnation. And in Iran, a raised thumb is considered an offensive gesture.
If the thumb is pointing down, then this sign has the meaning of disapproval.
Forefinger
The index finger is used for this or that gesture depending on the situation. For example, if you put your finger on your lips, then the sign will have the meaning "silence".
If the finger is raised up, then this means "attention" or "stop".
If the interlocutor shakes his index finger from side to side, then he does not agree with what was said. A slightly tilted shaking finger is used when teaching (for example, when children are scolded).
If you twist your finger at the temple, it means to recognize the interlocutor as "crazy".
Middle finger
The sticking out middle finger is an offensive gesture in many countries. The sign can be replaced with a less crude fig.
Fig
Or, in another way, a fist is a gesture in the form of a fist, where the thumb is inserted between the index and middle fingers. It is used in cases of disagreement with the interlocutor. It also means "refusal".
Another sign is often used as a "protection" from the evil eye.
In South America, the gesture is considered friendly and is used to wish good luck.
Crossing fingers
In many countries, crossing the index and middle fingers is used to bring good luck.
In Vietnam, this sign has an offensive meaning.
Goat
A popular sign among rock musicians, which looks like a raised index finger and little finger.
In Russia, small children are entertained with this gesture, associating the sign with the "horned goat".
However, in some European countries, including America, the sign means "cuckold".
In Colombia, this sign is shown if they want to wish good luck.
Shaka
Type of gesture - raised thumb and little finger. Often the gesture means "handset" and is shown if a person asks to call him.
In Hawaii, the gesture is a sign of greeting. And among drug addicts, the sign means "to smoke."
Spire
The gesture looks like joined fingertips. It is used by confident people. Usually the sign is used by people who are more inclined to speak than to gesticulate.
Often the speaker places the spire with his fingers up, and the listener, on the contrary, down.
Closed thumb and forefinger
This gesture is used when it is necessary to draw attention to something. The sign often complements speech. The narrator at this moment wants the listener to understand the essence of his words.
Rubbing your thumb on the tips of others
In this case, the gesture means "money".
Sometimes the sign is used when trying to remember some event or word. At a positive result the sign is replaced by a click.
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"Come here"
The calling sign with the index finger saying "come to me" is taboo in Asian countries. In the Philippines, this gesture is only appropriate for dogs and indicates that you consider the interlocutor to be lower than you. Moreover, the use of such a gesture can lead to arrest in that country.
"Goat"
"Goat" is loved by rock musicians, metalheads and their fans. However, you should not show it in Italy, Spain or Macedonia, especially to a man, as the gesture hints at the infidelity of the addressee's wife ("cuckold"). Among superstitious people in Western countries, the sign "goat" means the same as we have a spit over our shoulder, that is, the usual protection from the evil eye, witches and various evil spirits.
"Like"
The usual “like”, a gesture of consent and approval, often erases language barriers, and hitchhikers often vote for them on the road.
However, in Thailand it is a sign of condemnation. Although it is more childlike, like sticking out the tongue, it should be avoided. In Iran, this is an offensive gesture, the equivalent of the middle finger. In some other countries, such as Greece, such a gesture means "shut up."
Gesture "Victory"
The gesture, which is shown with the index and middle fingers of the hand in the form of the letter V, in many countries means victory or peace. However, if the palm is facing the person, then in the UK, Ireland and Australia, the V-shaped gesture acquires an insulting gesture, which is the non-verbal equivalent of the phrase "fuck off!".
The fact is that the English archers, who intimidated the enemies in the 100-year Anglo-French War, were cut off precisely these two fingers on their right hand so that they could no longer shoot from bows. And if the archer showed undamaged fingers like that, it meant "be afraid, enemies!". The French perceived this gesture as an insult to them.
exposed palm
The outstretched hand, which expresses a request to stop or stop, in Greece takes on a different meaning. Palms directed towards the interlocutor - the so-called "munza" - are used when they want to express extreme indignation or "send" the interlocutor. This gesture has been left over from Byzantine times, when cinder was smeared over the face of a criminal to ridicule him.
Stroking on the head
Stroking a child on the head is usually a gesture of friendliness and tenderness. However, in Buddhist religion The crown is the highest point of the body, that is, the place where the soul lives. Touching the top of the head is an aggressive intrusion into a person's space. This gesture should be avoided in countries where most people practice Buddhism.
"Fig"
The gesture "fig", "shish" or "fig" is used in case of refusal or disagreement. In Brazil and Portugal, this is a more benevolent gesture, a way of wishing good luck and protection from the evil eye. In Turkey, it has an aggressive and rude nature, the equivalent of which is the middle finger. Fingers folded in a fig are associated with sex in many countries. In Arab countries, kukish means a sexual insult. In France, this figure of three fingers means the same as the extended middle finger of the hand.
offer, invitation
In many countries, people do not pay attention to what hand they offer something to other people. However, in India, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East left hand considered "dirty". Even the lefty is worth eating right hand, as only it is considered suitable for eating. The same goes for shaking hands and passing objects. But in Japan, it is considered polite when you give with both hands, while a gesture with one hand may suggest neglect.
Crossed fingers
In many Western countries, people cross their index and middle fingers for good luck or the evil eye. In Vietnam, this gesture is considered offensive, especially if you are looking at the other person. It is believed that the crossed fingers represent the female reproductive organs.
This is the most famous and recognizable indecent gesture in the whole world, which is shown when they want to send the interlocutor to hell, end the conversation or rudely refuse. In addition, this is one of the most ancient gestures, which was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as by monkeys. In Asian countries, however, the middle finger is sometimes used to indicate something.
Gesture OK
Thumb and forefinger ring meaning "everything is alright!" or "OK", in French means "zero" or "worthless". In Greece and Turkey, this gesture is considered a hint of homosexuality. And in some countries of the Middle East, for example, in Kuwait, it means the evil eye.
Other gestures in different countries
In Argentina, keeping your hands in your pockets is considered indecent, in Japan it is not recommended to tighten your belt in public - this means the beginning of hara-kiri. Bulgarians, Greeks and Turks, when they say "Yes", shake their heads from side to side, but for us it means "No". By touching the eyelid with a finger, in Italy they express benevolence, in Spain, with the help of this gesture, they express their doubt about the veracity of what was said, and the Frenchman makes it clear to the person with such a gesture that he talks too much. When an Englishman wants to teach someone a lesson, he raises two fingers folded together, and in the USA this gesture means a single whole, a team.
So, your suitcases are packed, the kids are packed, the keys to the apartment were given to a caring neighbor so that she can look after your pet and water the flowers, you are on your way to the airport. Vacation abroad, one might say, has begun. But how to go to an unfamiliar country without knowing its language at all How do you communicate with the local people there? With a conversationalist? Maybe. But remember: you can always help out sign language!
True, one must always remember and be very careful: gestures are gestures, but they don't always mean what you mean. Sometimes gestures can not only offend, but even offend a person. At best, they will think of you as an ill-mannered person. At worst, you won't end up in trouble.
For your attention some of the most familiar and common gestures which are interpreted differently in different states.
For us, this sign with raised fingers and rings of fingers is a completely harmless gesture that means "everything is in order." In Finland, it is used as a sign that military service is over and as a mockery of those who are still serving. In Turkey and Greece, this is a direct allusion to homosexuality (at best, you will call someone a “moron” with such a gesture). In the Middle East, with such a gesture, you will simply threaten someone, like “I'll show you! I'll do it for you!" In many countries, this gesture is perceived as an insult, as if telling the interlocutor that he is "a complete zero." In Japan, it is used to borrow money. As you can see, this cute gesture - easy way find yourself in trouble in some countries.
Thumbs up
By our standards, this is a completely positive and approving gesture. What can not be said about the countries of the Middle East. It's just offensive there. For example, in Iran this sign is the absolute equivalent of a raised middle finger. In West Africa and some Latin American countries, this gesture has a negative meaning - everything is exactly the opposite: everything is bad! In children's pranks, a thumbs up is the same as showing the tongue. If you hitchhike through these countries, be careful with such a gesture. In Japanese, such a gesture has a neutral meaning: a raised thumb indicates a man, and a raised little finger, on the contrary, indicates a woman. Brazilians simply thank each other with such a gesture, while Indians approve and recognize a person or his action.
"V" or peace sign
In almost all Mediterranean countries, this gesture has a negative meaning - expect either great bad luck or trouble. It is also perceived as an attempt to attack, if at the same time you are pointing at someone else. And if you are in Australia or England, watch which way your palm is facing. If outside, it means "peace". If the hand is turned inward, this is a direct insult, akin to the middle finger. You order two glasses of beer in a pub - watch your hands, otherwise you can get it.
Open hand gesture or "hello"
A raised hand with an open palm in many countries of the world means a welcome meaning. But not everywhere. Such a gesture in Greece means a terrible insult, they are simply “sent” there. The roots of this gesture go far back in history, when in Byzantium criminals were smeared with a mixture of ash, mud and manure. Therefore, a raised open palm is a sign of insult.
Goat gesture
This gesture is probably the most common gesture among rockers as a sign of heavy music. But, alas, not everywhere. In "hot" Spain, Italy and Greece, as well as in the Caucasus, it means that someone has cheated on you. In other words - "you are a cuckold!".
Shaka sign
This sign has its origin from the Hawaiian Islands. Since the mid-60s, surfers vacationing in Hawaii have copied it and brought it to their homes, to other countries, where they shared it with people. This welcome sign is used as a symbol of friendship and solidarity. But in some other countries it means something completely different. So, in Russia it is considered as an offer to drink. In China, it's just the number "6". In the Caribbean, it is shown as an "offer to sleep", with the little finger pointing at the desired person.
In almost all countries of the world, this gesture has an offensive meaning. Especially in Turkic countries, where it can be perceived as a raised middle finger. In Turkey, "fig" is perceived as a sign of rudeness. But often this gesture is "kept" in the pocket as a symbol of the evil eye or other unholy machinations.
Gestures, like speech and facial expressions, are an integral part of our lives. There are many different gestures that are performed with the hands or fingers, but the meanings of some of them may differ from each other in different regions, countries, and may also be used infrequently in everyday life. Therefore, you should know and learn to recognize the main commonly used hand and finger gestures.
Main groups of gestures
The main groups of gestures include:
reinsurance
These gestures are aimed at trying to cope with their fears of some kind. These include biting your fingertips, knuckles, or nails (uncertainty), rubbing your thumbs together with your hands together, rubbing your neck, and pinching your skin.
readiness
Readiness gestures express a desire to quickly end the conversation and leave or perform the proposed action. It can be hands pressed along the body or in a sitting position, one hand rests with the palm on the knee, and the other with the elbow.
frustration
The state of the body, in which desires do not correspond to the available possibilities, and as a result, a disorder in the normal mental state of the body. Frustration gestures include rapid breathing, fingers clasped and tense (until the knuckles turn white), the palm of one hand clenching the fist of the other, intense stroking of the neck or hair.
credulity
Gestures of gullibility are aimed at the disposition of the interlocutor, more often you can see them in the relationship "boss - subordinate". The use of this gesture speaks of absolute confidence in one's words. These gestures are characterized by palms folded into a dome, support of the chin with folded palms, fingers can be tightly pressed or connected by tips, respectively, in pairs.
Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism is the desire to subjugate an opponent. She is characterized by aggressiveness, cruelty, an overestimated level of self-esteem. The gestures of authoritarianism include hands folded behind the back with the chin held high, the desire to be “above” the interlocutor with all its appearance.
Nervousness
Gestures that are nervous show the anxiety and anxiety of the one who shows them. Nervousness gestures include covering the mouth with the palm of the hand and waiting for a reaction to what was said, the hands raised in a pyramid and the mouth covered with the palms in this position, or frequent changes in the position of the palms and hands.
self control
Self-control gestures are aimed at maintaining peace of mind and curbing the desire to hit the interlocutor or perform some kind of action that is better to restrain from. This can be hands laid behind the back (one palm tightly squeezes the other) or squeezing the armrests of a chair until the knuckles turn white.
dominance and subordination
Such gestures are aimed at expressing superiority (both physical and mental). More often, dominance can be seen with a handshake (a handshake with effort, the opponent slightly turns the palm so that it is on top). Also, the hand can be in the pocket, and the finger remains outside, or the hands are folded on the chest with the fingers exposed.
Secrecy and suspicion
These gestures appear when your interlocutor does not have the slightest desire to continue talking, wants to leave as soon as possible, or simply does not trust. Such gestures include a mouth clamped with a palm and a look from under the forehead or eyes averted to the side, rubbing the bridge of the nose, forehead or ear with the index finger.
preening
Preening or courtship is aimed at the desire to interest the interlocutor of the opposite sex, showing the comfort of being in his company. This can be smoothing hair, a relaxed posture with hands resting freely on your knees, adjusting or loosening a tie, stroking a jacket or jacket.
pacing
Different ways of pacing correspond various states person. Ragged pacing and active hand gestures betray nervousness, uniform and rhythmic pacing is characteristic of a person actively moving towards his goals, shuffling gait - laziness and uncertainty, uniform fast pacing with hands folded behind his back - expectation.
Boredom
Boredom gestures are fairly easy to recognize. Blank stare, lack of response to environment, mindless drawing on paper, clicking with a pen are a group of gestures of boredom.
Grade
Appreciative gestures show a person thoughtful and dreamy. They can be divided into gestures:
- interest (supporting the cheek, scratching the chin and bridge of the nose, index finger on the chin, the rest along the neck, arms hanging freely on something leaning on);
- disinterest (lowered head, and hands clasped at the neck).
Protection
Protective and defensive gestures are used during times of threat and stressful situations. Hands folded on the chest, palms clenched into a fist - this is a gesture of protection.
openness
If a person is open to others, then the gestures accompanying his words will indicate a disposition towards an opponent in a conversation. Open palms, shrugging (accompanied by opening the palms and moving them to the sides) - this can be attributed to openness.
Popular gestures
Gesticulation in conversation is very common, but the meaning of some movements may not be entirely clear, or simply unnoticed. Commonly used gestures include the following:
thumb up and down
The most common meaning of these gestures is approval and disapproval. But there are cases of using these gestures with a different designation. For example, you can stop a vehicle with your thumb. A sharply raised thumbs up for the British and Australians will look offensive and condemning sexual orientation. In Greece, you can “send” with the same gesture, while among the Arabs it is associated with the male phallus. Also, for Russians, British and Australians, a raised finger means the number "5", and for Italians, the number "1".
Forefinger
The name of this finger speaks for itself. A finger pressed to the lips - “silence”, raised up - “attention”, raised up and swaying left and right - denial, a raised finger and swaying up and down - a threat or a lesson. If a finger is twisted at the temple, then this is the designation of a fool. In Iran, the palm is turned up and the index finger is up - "Fuck you."
Middle finger
The middle finger held vertically, and the thumb protruding to the side or pressed to the palm, is considered an insult in many countries, and means "Fuck you ...". In the Middle Ages, the middle finger was used as a definition of a passive homosexual. This gesture is one of the oldest with originally preserved meaning.
Two fingers or "V" sign
The fingers forming the letter “V” with the back of the palm facing the pointing one means “Victory” in the countries of Europe and in Russia in particular. If, when showing this combination of fingers, the palm is turned towards itself, then this means the number "2", but it is worth considering that in some countries (Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand) such gestures are an insult to intimate preferences.
three fingers
Three fingers protruding everywhere indicate the number "3", regardless of the rotation of the palm. During the Second World War, the Germans used this as a greeting from the commander-in-chief when taking the oath. Now this fingering expresses the word "Victory".
Goat gesture and tongue between fingers
"Goat" is used by the people to protect against the evil eye. More commonly known as the "rocker goat", and the tongue between the fingers carries the more cheeky meaning of such gestures. In Russia, this gesture is used to denote a cuckold and to intimidate children with a “horned goat”. If the “goat” is shown to someone, gradually approaching, then this means that an attack will now occur.
Thumb and little finger or "Shaka" gesture
The most commonly used designation for this movement is "Call me". If, with such a combination, the thumb is brought to the lips, and the head is thrown back sharply, then this is an offer to drink, and for drug addicts this gesture (without tipping the head) means to smoke. In Asian countries, "Shaka" is the number "6", in Colombia - a wish for good luck, and in Hawaii, among extreme athletes, this is considered a greeting.
Ok or thumbs up
The most common value is "Everything is OK" (OK). This gesture came into use from America. And also the meanings of the index and thumb, folded in a ring, is the number "0", for the Japanese such a sign means money, and for Italians - "Worthless". If you show such a gesture to the inhabitants of the Mediterranean countries, then you will offend a person by considering him a representative of a non-traditional orientation.
Clasped fingers
Linked fingers indicate a person who is very difficult to convince of something, interlacing fingers - a "barrier" between opponents. Depression, protest, hostility (depending on the force of squeezing the fingers), self-doubt are also designations for such a gesture. To convince a person of your point of view, you need to try to disengage his fingers, for example, by giving him something in his hands for consideration.
Rubbing your thumb on the tips of others
This gesture means "Money" or the expectation of a monetary reward for a service rendered, showing, as it were, rubbing a bill between the fingers, checking it for authenticity. Sometimes this gesture is used when trying to remember something, and in case of success, it is accompanied by a snap of the fingers. If the rubbing of the fingers occurs with effort, then this indicates the containment of raging emotions.
intertwined fingers
Two crossed fingers means protection from the evil eye, or the hope of hiding deceit, as well as luck. Basically, the fingers are intertwined on both hands and hide from the opponent in the pockets or behind the back. In Vietnam, with this gesture you will insult the interlocutor.
Closed thumb and forefinger
The use of closed fingers is subconsciously aimed at drawing the interlocutor's attention to an important aspect of the conversation. This gesture is accompanied by the movement of the brush back and forth, and the palm is directed towards you.
Connected fingertips
Fingertips connected to each other mean a person who is confident in his words. There are two options for connecting the fingers: the first, when the "spire" is directed upwards (speaking), the second, when the "spire" is directed downwards (listening). When, during a conversation, the opponent connects his fingertips, this indicates that he has already made a decision on your issue, and arms or legs crossed at this moment - this is a probable refusal. Most famous person The one constantly used by him is German Chancellor Angela Dorothea Merkel.
The gesture of humility on the icons
A well-known sign depicted on Christian icons, meaning "humility" (interpretation "blessing"). In this gesture, the fingers are folded in a specific way in which the tip thumb touches the tip of the ring finger, and the middle and index are slightly raised up, while the hand itself is folded on the chest and bent at the elbow. To reveal the true biblical meaning of this gesture, it is necessary to turn to religious literature. This gesture is believed to be a blessing.
Finger rubbing other parts of the body
Rubbing the chin, forehead or middle part of the head determines - thinking, the back of the head - at this moment the interlocutor does not know what is being said. If the opponent rubs his nose with his fingers, then this means uncertainty, and if he pulls his ears, cheeks or buttons with his fingers, then this is an indicator of secrecy or an attempt to deceive.
Hands behind back
If your interlocutor's hands are clasped behind his back, then he is trying to calm down and pull himself together. But the most common interpretation of this gesture is that a person is confident in himself and his abilities. Scientists have proven that if you put your hands behind your back in any stressful situation, it will become much easier, tension will come to naught and confidence will be added.
Hands in pants pockets
Hidden hands indicate that your interlocutor is trying to hide something, lie, or he is simply not interested in your conversation. The more open the hands, the “cleaner” your interlocutor’s thoughts are. These actions should not be confused with hidden hands in pockets in the cold. If an opponent constantly keeps his hands in his pockets in any situation, then this is probably just a habit.
Russian alphabet in sign language
The deaf and dumb alphabet has its own specific sign, corresponding to the usual letters from our alphabet. There is nothing difficult in recognizing these "letters". Basically, letters show names, titles and rare words for which there are no signs. Gestures can show both individual letters and whole words. In total, there are about 2000 "words" of gestures.
You open the Safari browser on your iPhone, but instead of the desired page, you see a window that says "Cellular data is turned off." This iOS kindly reminds you that you forgot to connect to mobile Internet or WiFi. You can remove the reminder by pressing the OK button. By the way, have you ever wondered where these two letters came from?
In contact with
Meaning
The meaning of the word O'kay (pronounced "okay") is known even to older people. By saying it, people agree with something / say that everything is in order / declare that the subject or object of discussion is fashionable, modern, "top". In computer interfaces, OK (word or tick) means confirmation of an action. 
7 versions of the origin of the word OK
Of course, okay, as is often the case in such situations, there are a lot of "parents". Here are just a few of the versions:
Illiteracy. OK is said to have originally been AK, short for All Correct. But over time, the letter A was transformed into O - according to the principle “as we hear, so we write” (and this expression is heard as “All Correct”). So, according to rumors, wrote the 7th US President Andrew Jackson.
A cunning politician from the 19th century. American Democratic President Martin Van Buren was born in Kinderhook, Kinderhook, New York. In order to better be remembered by voters during the election campaign, Van Buren began to call himself Old Kinderhook in 1840, and then came up with the catchy slogan "Old Kinderhook is O.K."
"German trail". Proofreaders from Germany, when they received an ideal article that did not need editing, they wrote on it: Ohne Korrektur (“one proofreading”), i.e. "no fixes".
"English version. The English pilots of the Second World War adopted the record “0 killed” from the French (no one was killed), in a short version it looked like 0 K (it sounded like “Oh Kay”).
"French" version. In Occitan (one of the dialects of French), from time immemorial people say “ok” when they want to express agreement. It is believed that during the centuries-old conflicts between the French and the British, the latter adopted "ok". Canadians, who had long been subjects of the French monarchy, could do the same.
"Greek" version. In Greek there is an expression "ολα καλα", meaning "everything is in order." Tracklayers in the USA painted the first letters of these words on the rails. The person who saw them understood that the railway track had already been checked, and there should not be any problems with it.
“This is Oklahoma!”, in short, say the locals. They claim that the start of the "okey" was accidentally given by political activity in ancient times. The name of the state for the next election campaign needed to be shortened, so the famous OK appeared as a result.
- In Brazil and Germany, the OK gesture (“ring” of the thumb and forefinger) is considered offensive - the Brazilians understand this as an offer to have anal sex (and the one who sees it is offered the role of a passive partner), the Germans - as comparing themselves with the anus.
- Experts say "okay" is the most commonly used word on the planet.
- On March 23, 2014, the word Okay — according to the Global Language Monitor (GLM) association — turned 175 (!) years old.
