flarione.ru → Organization

What does the gesture of rubbing the index fingers mean? Show the finger: gestures in culture

Few realize the power they have in their hands. There are times when your own hands can save or literally betray, and all this happens without your conscious participation. Of course, if you don't know how hand language works.

A person who speaks a language nonverbal communication, has a lot of advantages over his counterpart, and is able to hear not only what the interlocutor is talking about, but also understand what he is thinking about, or what he is not talking about. But let's talk about everything in order.

Today, many symbols shown by hands have international registration, and are equally understandable to New Zealand Maori and African Maasai. Why did this happen?

Why do soldiers put their hand to their head to greet someone, or to praise a person we raise our thumb up, and to insult someone we raise our middle finger? The answers to these questions came to us from the past. Let's look at the stories behind some of these gestures in more detail.

Thumbs up. Shows that everything is fine and you are doing well. This movement came to us from antiquity. The Roman public, during gladiatorial fights, in this way signaled that for the diligence and diligence shown by the defeated slave during the battle, his life could be saved. A downturned thumb did not bode well for a loser warrior. Since those times, it has been the custom: the thumb points to the sky - you are on top, to the ground - you are a bit of a loser;
The greeting of the military when addressing a superior or when raising a flag, by raising an open palm to the head, was borrowed from medieval knights. In those ancient times, in order to show the purity of their thoughts, warriors, when meeting, raised their visors, thereby demonstrating the friendliness of their plans. Another version of the origin of this sign is associated with earlier periods of human history. In ancient times, subjects, in order to show that only the sun was higher than their ruler, when meeting the autocrat, covered their eyes with their hands, thereby demonstrating submission. Over time, the form of the gesture has changed slightly, but the content has remained unchanged. People in uniform show their respect and commitment to their superiors or state symbol by raising their hand to their head;
An outstretched hand when meeting, or a handshake. The origin of this greeting is explained quite simply. In ancient times, an outstretched hand, without a weapon, symbolized your peaceful plans and respect;
Raised middle finger. There are at least two explanations for the appearance of this obscene gesture. According to one version, the ancient Greeks showed this symbol to those with whom they would like to carry out actions, the meaning of which reflects what we mean by demonstrating this gesture today. Another option goes back to the beginning of the 15th century, when during the Franco-English Battle of Agincourt, French soldiers cut off the middle fingers of captured English archers so that they could not shoot at them in the future. Naturally, those of the English who could not be caught by the vile French showed them their middle fingers from a safe distance, thereby showing their disdain and courage. Why didn't the French just kill the prisoners? The question remains open;
The so-called goat. A symbol that distinguishes true “metalheads” from the people around them. One version says that the sign originated among the ancient Vikings, and symbolized the Scandinavian rune that protects its owner from the evil eye. According to another version, this is the “fingering” of Soviet prisoners who, in order not to go to work, simply cut their tendons, and the hand took this shape spontaneously. Today, this symbol of cool says that the person demonstrating it is a principled “legalist”, and he will not collect popcorn scattered in the cinema;
The well-known American OK. There may be differences in this gesture depending on the part of the world you are in. Among some peoples, it symbolizes that your affairs are in in perfect order, for others it means that you are a “complete zero”, and for some it shows problems with the large intestine. According to one of the most plausible versions, this sign was borrowed from the non-verbal language of the Native American inhabitants - Indians, who thus showed their fellow tribesmen that there were no problems.

Some hand gestures and their meaning

Each gesture has its own interesting and multifaceted story, however, it’s time to talk about their meaning and practical use this knowledge in everyday life.

Open palm

In most cultures open hand associated with honesty. Therefore, if you want to make people believe that you are telling the truth, it is not recommended to present your arguments with your hands clenched into fists.

At such moments, it is better to open your palms to show that you are not hiding anything.

On the other hand, be alert when someone is telling you important things with their hands in their pockets or behind their back. Hidden palms do not make sentences more believable, even if they are true. With a high degree of probability, it can be argued that your interlocutor is lying or hiding some important information from you.

Palm up and down position

The way you use your hands when communicating with others can significantly affect how they perceive your words and you. Ask a simple question with your palms up, and people will think you're asking for a favor.

On the one hand, they will not be bothered by your request, but on the other hand, they will not feel threatened or pressured by you. If you ask this question with your palms facing down, it will more likely resemble a requirement that must be fulfilled.

It can not only set the tone for any business or political meeting, but also influence its results. When two equal interlocutors shake hands, their palms remain vertical.

But if one person's palm is facing upward when shaking hands, this can be perceived as a symbolic surrender, and signify the superiority of the other person.

When talking, your interlocutor holds his hands behind his back and makes meaningless movements with them - he is not interested in you, you should stop the meaningless conversation, or move on to another topic.

What is the meaning of finger gestures

No less revelations can be gleaned from the position of the fingers on our hands. Let's give a few examples.

There is a fine line between a hand gesture and a finger gesture, but we will talk about those cases in which the movement of the fingers is an independent signal.

Some finger gestures are unintentional, and by their position you can unmistakably read what emotional state a person is in, or his attitude towards the topic of conversation.

finger on mouth - they are lying to you;
during a conversation, the index finger involuntarily points towards the other person - a clear sign of dominance;
index finger up - you should be wary of such a person, since the gesture is often used by parents in relation to a careless child;
fingers straight and pressed tightly together - the person has made a firm decision to achieve his goal and does not care about sentiment;
fingers squeeze the wrist or palm of the other hand - the interlocutor is furious, trying to restrain his emotions;
fingers clenched into a fist from time to time - a clear sign of a hidden threat.

What about the deaf and dumb?

Many gestures unconsciously used in communication are reflected in the alphabet for the deaf and dumb.

Sign languages of the deaf are independent languages that consist of combinations of movements of the hands and fingers in combination with facial expressions, position of the mouth, lips and body.

It is a mistake to believe that sign languages for the deaf were invented by hearing people to convey information to those who cannot hear. In fact, these languages develop completely independently.

Moreover, in one country there may be several sign languages that do not grammatically coincide with the verbal languages of that country.

As practice shows, in the absence of the opportunity to use sound language as a means of communication, people instinctively begin to use gestures for this. The main means of communication for this are the hands and fingers.

At the same time, deaf people have many gestures, the meaning of which can be understood by an unprepared person. For example, the word “peace” in the language of the deaf and dumb will look like hands squeezing each other, located in front of the chest, “love” is a palm raised to the lips in the form of an air kiss, and “house” is palms folded in a triangle in the form of a gable roof.

Youth hand gestures and their meaning

Our children also use sign language for their communication, and the variety of these non-verbal signs is constantly enriched by the emergence of new ones. Let's give a few examples of such youth gestures, with the help of which teenagers can easily understand each other, while older people, and even middle-aged people, will remain in the dark.

Time and scientific and technological progress dictate their conditions, and this fully applies to our gestures.

Just recently, a hand folded in the shape of an English L did not mean anything, but today it is a loser, a sign signaling that you are a loser.

An extended middle finger pointing to the side can mean that you are being sent, but at the same time it can be interpreted as an invitation to sex.

With your fingers shaped like a heart, it’s simple: “I love you.” But a “horned goat” with its thumb pointed to the side means simple sympathy.

An English V performed by a teenager with the back of his hand turned towards you can mean two Colas, or serve as the equivalent of a middle finger in the UK. And such a familiar sign as OK, but inverted, and shown at waist level or below, is an open invitation to sex.

Thanks to the specific versatility of using hand language and a few widely spoken English words, you can communicate with a foreigner you meet by chance on a busy street. Of course, you won’t be able to conclude a contract with him for the supply of gas equipment, but you can easily explain how to get to the nearest metro station or stadium.

Differences in the interpretation of habitual gestures in different countries

Don't rush to use your extensive knowledge of sign language when you find yourself abroad. Some common symbols may have opposite meanings in different parts of the world. And again let's look at the examples.

If you are in France, then OK, which is common throughout the world, turns into a big, fat zero. And in Turkey, with such a gesture you will signal that your interlocutor is gay - not a very pleasant statement in a country where the majority of people are Muslims;
Raising your thumb and extending your index finger means a loser in the sign language of teenagers, and in China this symbol represents the number eight;
A thumbs up in Europe and America says: “Everything is cool,” and in Iran, Afghanistan and Greece this obscene gesture will be read: “I..., you..., and all your relatives...”, well, you get the idea;
The crossed index and middle fingers protect Europeans from the evil eye, and in Vietnam this figure represents the female genital organ;
A hand extended forward stops all over the world and seems to say: “Wait,” and in Greece it literally translates as “Eat shit.”

If, as the proverb states, silence is golden, then continuing the association, in some countries, the absence of gestures is a diamond.

The gestures and their interpretation that you have become familiar with are not limited to the examples given. The purpose of our article is to popularize, interest and guide. Perhaps our theses will help solve small life problems. Or maybe not small.

There is some more information about the most popular gestures in the following video.

In most cases, a person supplements his speech with gestures. Often we make movements involuntarily, that is, without thinking about their meaning. In addition, using gestures, you can find out information of interest from foreign citizen, for example, while traveling. In this article we will look at what popular finger gestures mean.

Gesture meanings

Victoria

The V-shape is made with the index and middle fingers. The sign means "peace" and "victory". However, in a number of countries (Great Britain, Ireland, Australia) the gesture is offensive if the palm is facing towards the person.

Muntz

A gesture in the form of an outstretched palm. 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 “everything is okay.”

In the capital of Italy, the sign means "worthless." And in Japan the gesture means “money”.

Thumbs up and down

Thumbs up means agreement and approval. The sign is often used when hitchhiking to catch a car.

In Thailand, this gesture is a sign of condemnation. And in Iran, giving a thumbs up is considered an offensive gesture.

If the thumb is pointing down, then this sign has the meaning of disapproval.

Index finger

The index finger is used for one or another gesture depending on the situation. For example, if you put a finger to your lips, the sign will mean “silence.”

If the finger is raised up, it means “attention” or “stop”.

If the interlocutor shakes his index finger from side to side, it means he does not agree with what was said. A slightly inclined swinging finger is used when teaching (for example, when scolding children).

If you twist your finger at your temple, you recognize your interlocutor as “crazy.”

Middle finger

The extended middle finger is an offensive gesture in many countries. The sign can be replaced with a less crude fig.

Fig

Or in other words, fig - a gesture in the form of a fist, where the thumb is inserted between the index and middle fingers. Used in cases of disagreement with the interlocutor. "Rejection" also has the meaning.

Another sign is often used as “protection” from the evil eye.

In South America, the gesture is considered friendly and is used to wish good luck.

Crossing your fingers

In many countries, crossing the index and middle fingers is used to attract 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, this gesture is used to entertain young children, associating the sign with a “horned goat.”

However, in some European countries, including America, the sign means “cuckold.”

In Colombia, this sign is shown when people want to wish them good luck.

Shaka

Type of gesture - raised thumb and little finger. Often the gesture means “telephone receiver” and is shown when a person asks to call him.

In Hawaii, the gesture is a sign of greeting. And among drug addicts, the sign means “smoke.”

Spire

The gesture looks like joined fingertips. Confident people use it. Usually the sign is used by people who are more inclined to talk than to gesture.

Often the speaker places the spire with his fingers up, and the listener, on the contrary, points down.

Closed thumb and index fingers

This gesture is used when it is necessary to draw attention to something. A sign often complements speech. The narrator at this moment wants the listener to understand the essence of his words.

Rubbing the tips of others with your thumb

In this case, the gesture means "money".

Sometimes a sign is used when trying to remember an event or word. If the result is positive, the sign changes to a click.

Digital designation

Talking about V-shaped sign of the index and middle fingers, then the meanings here are the same. The gesture has become extremely widespread in the field of sports. Here it means that the player must throw the ball twice, or he violated the rule by touching the ball a couple of times.

Likewise, the referee may show three or four fingers. This finger position works the same in football, basketball, volleyball and other ball games. If the referee shouts about an offense, it could disrupt the game, where it would be much more convenient to use a whistle and a corresponding indication.

Please shut up

Its use is relevant in Australia and UK, but in this case the interpretation is offensive: in a harsh form, you ask your interlocutor to shut up. It is quite difficult to determine a clear origin today.

However, it is known that this is one of the options for physical damage during a fight. Straightened and spread fingers can easily cause irreparable damage to an opponent's vision.

Symbol of victory and peace

In addition, the gesture is understood as a declaration of victory; in English it will be written as “victory”. Made a significant contribution to this Winston Churchill. The former British prime minister, to announce victory, placed his middle and index fingers in the shape of a V. If England was the winning side, they gesticulated with the military leader’s palm facing outward.

It is worth saying that Churchill approached statesmanship with his own philosophy and politics was a real war for him.

They say that this symbol could also be used among the peoples living on English territory. This was the period of the hundred years of Anglo-French war. As was known, if an archer of the English tribe was caught, then his middle and index fingers would certainly be cut off so that he could no longer pull the bow string.

But showing off his unharmed fingers with such a gesture the shooter intimidated the enemies, as if saying: “Fear me!” In addition, France then played, and the surviving archers made fun of the losers with such a demonstration.

Therefore, when a gesture belongs to a resident of England, it is quite difficult to understand: either it symbolizes victory, or it is an insulting request to stop talking.

In 1960, during the development of anti-war movements in the United States, the gesture became affirmation of peace.

Wish to lose

This is a kind of opposition to the meaning that Winston Churchill gave. To the demonstrator's opponent want to lose. The same thing happened in the combination of Latin letters KO, which is the opposite interpretation of OK.

It is worth saying that this idea has not been confirmed, since cases of showing two fingers “under such a gun” were rare.

Sexual humiliation

Also in "Foggy Albion" the sign is perceived as a sexual insult. One significant difference helps to distinguish: in this case, the palm turns towards the person showing or his face.

In this case, you need to bring your hand to your face so that the tip of the nose is located at the very divergence of the fingers. Then the nose symbolizes the phallus, and the two fingers symbolize the woman’s genitals.

Initially a symbol came from the Arabs.

Nowadays this feature is characteristic only of the British; Europeans assign the sign the meaning of victory or peace. In England, this gesture, like showing the middle finger, is considered one of the most obscene.

The combination of fingers and nose has lost its original Arabic meaning, but the gesture itself remains valid.

It is believed that it was brought from Egypt by English soldiers.

However, if it is not necessary to bring your hand to your head, why spread your fingers? considered a phallic symbol remains a question. There is no exact answer, but several explanatory versions are known.

There is an opinion that during the Second World War the traditional gesture of the penis changed somewhat - the index and middle fingers were demonstrated together, and the rest were bent. To say so add insult to injury. Then the combination was replaced by spreading straight fingers.

The second theory suggests a combination of sexual and threatening insults.

Mikhail Baev

When an artist paints a picture, he does not have the opportunity to verbally convey to us the words of his character. It conveys information to us in other ways, including through gestures. Have you ever thought about the meaning of these gestures or considered them as a tribute to some tradition?

I noticed a characteristic gesture repeated in religious paintings. You've probably seen it - the index, middle and thumb extended, the ring and little fingers bent. What does this gesture mean, how did it appear, why is it so widely used in painting and what does it give for understanding the picture?

Philippe de Champagne, Scene from the Life of St. Benedict of Nursia (Miracle of the Cup of Poisoned Wine), 17th century, fragment

Master of the Tuizon Altarpiece, Entry of Christ into Jerusalem, 15th century

Surprisingly, the history of this gesture used in Western Christian painting is very ancient. It is found on works of pre-Christian art, such as a Greek krater from the late 4th century BC and an amulet hand found during excavations at Pompeii. This ancient gesture, called Mano Pantea - "hand of all gods" - was used as a gesture of protection against the evil eye. Later, among Christians, it received a new meaning - a gesture of blessing.

Palace of Hades, fragment of an image on a crater, late 4th century BC, carolemage

Mano Pantea ("hand of all gods"), amulet, Pompeii, 1st century AD

Mosaic fragment, 6th century, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna

How did Christians come to use Roman gestures?

In 313, Emperor Constantine I signed the Edict of Milan, allowing Christians to freely practice their religion. Gestures began to be widely included in Christian iconography. On what basis were they selected? Christians turned to what was closest and most familiar - to the Roman rhetorical traditions. Roman orators believed that through gestures and body language they directly appealed to the emotions of the audience. Traditions of using gestures in oratory could not help but be reflected in fine art.

Several gestures were chosen for use in iconography. In rhetoric, they were all clearly tied to the stages of legal speech - beginning, story and argument, and in iconography, accordingly, each such gesture emphasized the nature of the message conveyed by the image.

Gesture of beginning a story, introduction - the ring finger touches the thumb, the rest are extended. This gesture began speech, while the hand had to move forward. Please note that the use of such a gesture in the plot of “John the Baptist” is absolutely justified - the angel anticipates the coming of Christ, the beginning of something new.

John the Baptist - Angel of the Desert, with scenes from his life, last third of the 19th century

A more significant gesture used in argumentation is the middle and ring fingers bent, the thumb covering them. The gesture is strong. The Apostle Paul, demonstrating it, defends his faith:

Peter and Paul, XII-XII centuries, fragment

The gesture that our article is devoted to has the meaning of “I speak” in rhetoric. It’s interesting that there are not one, but two such gestures. They differ in that in one case the thumb is extended, and in the other it is bent. In Christian iconography, the first to be used was not the “hands of all gods” gesture, but the classic “two-fingered” gesture with a bent thumb. We see it in the very first historically known image of the Holy Trinity:

Dogmatic Sarcophagus, Trinity sarcophagus, 340

And eleven centuries later in a painting by Leonardo da Vinci:

Leonardo da Vinci, Madonna of the Rocks, 1483-1486

The same gesture is demonstrated by Archbishop Alexander of Płock, the alleged customer of the Magdeburg Gate.

Magdeburg Gate, fragment, St. Sophia Cathedral, Novgorod the Great

Saint Nicholas, Byzantium, X-XI centuries

In 451, the Fourth Ecumenical Council condemned the Monophysites (supporters of the divine nature of Christ as the only one) and adopted the dogma of the simultaneous nature of Christ as God and man. The two-fingered gesture was very suitable for personifying the dual nature of Christ.

The development of theology and art led to a deepening of the interpretation of signs and gestures. Gradually, the two-fingered gesture began to give way to three extended and two bent fingers. Three straightened fingers began to symbolize the Holy Trinity, and two bent ones - the nature of Christ as God and man. It is very difficult to say whether the coincidence of the form of this gesture with the new interpretation with the “hands of all gods” gesture is coincidental. In the historical analysis of gestures one often sees how an old gesture is filled with new meaning.

Albrecht Durer, Salvator Mundi, 1504

With the division of the churches into the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholics, Catholics began to adhere to the three-finger gesture (and use it to this day, this is how all popes bless), and Greek gestures began to gradually change.

Pius XI, St. Peter's Basilica

The Greeks began to use a gesture that emerged from the abbreviation of the name of Christ. The index finger is extended - the letter I, the middle finger is bent in the shape of the letter C, the ring and thumb are crossed in the shape of the letter X, and the little finger, like the middle finger, is bent in the shape of the letter C. Together the hand creates the abbreviation IC XC, called the Christogram.

Christogram, description, “Tablet”, 1656

Elijah the Prophet, early 15th century

After the church schism in Russia, the two-fingered gesture was preserved only among the Old Believers.

Surikov V.I., “Boyaryna Morozova”, 1887, fragment

On the icon presented to Peter I upon his return from the victorious Azov campaign, the infant Christ demonstrates a three-finger gesture. The painter, by changing one gesture, shows Peter’s desire for classical Western culture.

Our Lady of Chernigov-Ilyinskaya, 1696, fragment

Any gestures that we see in the paintings have an ancient symbolic meaning, often changing over time. The artist conveys information to us that we can only read by understanding the meaning of gestures.

Literature:

Alpatov M.V. Old Russian icon painting. Moscow, 1978
Krasilin M. M. Iconography and decorative art applied arts// Spiritual environment of Russia. Singing books and icons of the 17th - early 20th centuries. Moscow, 1996
Russian late icon from the 17th to the beginning of the 20th century, collection of articles ed. MM. Krasilina. Moscow, 2001.
Tablet. – M.: Printed door, 2. VI. 1656. http://dlib.rsl.ru/viewer/01003343928#?page=462
Constantino 313 d.C., Electa, Milano, 2012
The Evil Eye, by Frederick Thomas Elworthy, 1895
Fritz Graf, “Gestures and Conventions: The Gestures of Roman Actors and Orators,” in A Cultural History of Gesture (ed. J. Bremmer and H. Roodenburg; Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1986), 36-58.
The Glory of Byzantium. Art and Culture of the Middle Byzantine Era A.D. 843 - 1261. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York, 1997
Quintilian: Institutio Oratoria, English translation Loeb edition, 1920‑1922,

When you travel abroad and do not know the language of the country you are visiting, sign language often comes to the rescue.

You can use it to hail a taxi, buy groceries in a store, or ask for directions.

However, sometimes translation difficulties arise even with gestures that are familiar to us, which have completely different meanings in other parts of the world.

Here are 10 common gestures that may seem rude abroad.

1. Two-finger gesture "Victory"

The "Victoria" gesture, which is made with the index and middle finger of the hand in the shape of the letter V, in many countries means victory or peace. However, if the palm is facing the person, then in Great Britain, Ireland and Australia the V-shaped gesture takes on an offensive gesture, which is non-verbal equivalent to the phrase "fuck off!".

2. Gestures with palms ("muntsa")

The outstretched palm, often used to say "stop", takes on a different meaning in Greece. Palms directed towards the interlocutor, called “muntsa”, is an offensive gesture that is used when they want express extreme indignation or roughly speaking, “send” the interlocutor.

This gesture remains from Byzantine times, when smoke was smeared on the face of a criminal to make him an object of ridicule.

3. Thumbs up gesture

This gesture of agreement and approval often breaks down language barriers, and hitchhikers often use it on the road. However, in Thailand it is a sign of condemnation. Although the gesture itself is rather childish, like sticking out your tongue, it should be avoided. In Iran, this is an offensive gesture, the equivalent of which is the extended middle finger.

4. Alluring gesture with index finger

The beckoning sign with the index finger saying "come to me" is taboo in Asian countries. In the Philippines, this gesture only suitable for dogs and says that you consider the interlocutor below you. In addition, using this gesture can lead to arrest in this country.

5. Patting the head

Patting a child's head is usually a gesture of friendliness and affection. However, in the Buddhist religion, the crown is the highest point of the body, that is, the place where the soul resides. Touching the top of the head is aggressive invasion into the space of a child or an adult. This gesture should be avoided in countries where the majority of people profess the Buddhist religion.

6. Gesture "Okay"

Ring of thumb and index finger "OK", meaning "everything is in order!" or "correctly", in France means "zero" or "worthless". In Greece and Turkey, this gesture is very vulgar, meaning a similar hole in the human body or serves hint of homosexuality. In some Middle Eastern countries, such as Kuwait, "OK" means evil eye.

7. Gesture "Fig"

The gesture “fig”, “shish” or “kukish” is not entirely harmless in nature, and is often used in cases of refusal or disagreement. In Brazil it is a more benevolent gesture used to good luck wishes and protection from the evil eye. In Turkey it has an aggressive and rude character, the equivalent of which is the middle finger.

8. Left hand gesture

In many countries, people do not pay attention to which hand they use to offer something to other people. However, in India, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East, the left hand considered "dirty", intended for wiping in the toilet. Even a left-handed person should eat with his right hand, since only it is considered suitable for eating. The same applies to shaking hands and passing objects.

In Japan, giving with both hands is considered polite, while a one-handed gesture can imply disdain.

9. Crossing your fingers

In many Western countries, people cross their index and middle fingers for good luck or to ward off the evil eye. In Vietnam, this gesture is offensive, especially if you are watching or directing it at another person. It is believed that fingers crossed represent female genital organs.

10. Gesture "Goat"

The “Goat” gesture, or as it is also called “horns”, “fingers” or “corns”, is often used by musicians and their fans. However, you should not show this gesture in Italy, especially to a man, as it hints at his wife's infidelity("cuckold").

Bonus: obscene "middle finger" gesture

This is the most famous and recognizable obscene gesture in the whole world, which is English corresponds to the curse word "Fuck You" ("fuck you...!"). In addition, it is one of the most ancient gestures, which used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as by monkeys.

Roughly speaking, raised middle finger symbolizes the phallus, and the pressed fingers - the scrotum. By showing it, you seem to be offering the other person a “male genital organ” or rudely refusing the request. Also analogous to this gesture is elbow gesture when the left hand is placed in the crook of the right hand.

In Asian countries, however, the middle finger is sometimes used to point at something.