These 10 Hand Gestures Mean Totally Different Things Different Parts Of The World

• 11:23 am February 11, 2021
• surabhi

Every country has its own quirks and social rules. However, now since most of us are moving towards becoming global citizens and not really restricting ourselves to the boundaries of our world, there is so much scope and learning still left to be done. Take for instance hand gestures - What it means to you may be completely different than what it means to someone sitting in another part of the world. In order to not create socially awkward situations for yourself, these are some basics you need to know. Its going to help you big time!

THE OK SIGN!

This one sign you may think is universal but lets break your myth right here. Take for instance Japan and America. In America (and many other parts of the world) this sign may mean OK. But in Japan it means money! This sign also means a really bad thing in Brazil - remember to never gesture a "OK" if you ever happen to visit Brazil!

THE "V" GESTURE!

The "V" Sign can mean categorically different things in countries. While in Asian countries its a cute pose while clicking pictures, in America it could mean victory. In United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, this sign actually means an insult - especially when you do it facing the back hand outside!

COME HERE SIGN!

Never ever gesture this way to call out to a person in Philippines, you may get arrested and detained for the rest of your lives! Why is it a serious offence? Umm well for starters this sign means that you are insulting the other person. While in America / most western countries it could be used as a gesture to call out to someone it is not the case in Asia!

FINGERS CROSSED!

This is funny! In America or other western countries this sign is a fingers crossed sign - meaning hoping for good luck. However, if you happen to do this in an Asian country like Vietnam or Cambodia, you will get arrested because it means an insult to the female genitals and is considered offensive.

THUMBS UP!

The Thumbs up sign is equivalent to a rude gesture - similar to "up yours, pal!" in Iran and Iraq. What ever happened to just keeping it simple - one may think. But lets face it, it gets quite unnerving when you make these silly mistakes around the world!

I HAVE GOT YOUR NOSE!

In America, this sign usually means I've got your nose. But wait a minute - Don't even dare to use it in Turkey or Indonesia because it means a totally different thing and is super offensive. In Brazil, this gesture means goodluck charm and its said to ward off evil and bad energy!

Also read: 8 Body Parts That Reveal Something Massive About You!

STOP SIGN!

This is long debated and tends to annoy a lot of cultures, while most of us may be wondering what about it is so rude. In America it means stop / talk to the hand. While in Sindh, Pakistan and Greece it could mean an insult called mountza. In Malaysia, Mexico or Panama you can use this to say hi / stop cars / while thanking a waiter or a driver etc. But use it too often and you will perhaps be insulting them. A simple gesture and so many complications!

HORN SIGN!

After the whole rock and roll craze, everyone in America and perhaps the whole world, knows of this "horn sign." Turns out, in Latin America, this sign means that your spouse is cheating on you!

PINKY UP!

In England this means royalty, poise and status. However in China / other Asian countries, this gesture would mean you are not happy or satisfied with the offer. In Japan, however, this sign is given to a lover or significant other to emphasize their bond!

LOSER GESTURE!

In China, this gesture means a bargain. It refers to the number eight and is considered a lucky number especially when it comes to shopping rules / bargains/ auctions. While all over the rest of the world, this sign is usually a mockery because it means loser!