Gesture
See mouse gesture for gestures in computing
A Gesture is a form of non-verbal communication made with a part of the body, and used instead of verbal communication (or in combination with it). Many gestures have offensive import; the language of gesture is rich in ways for individuals to express contempt, hostility, or approval towards others.
Benediction
The benediction gesture is a raised right hand with the ring and pinky fingers touching the palm, with the thumb, middle, and index fingers raised. It is used by the Christian clergy to perform blessings.
Crossing oneself
The "sign of the Cross" is the use of the right hand to touch the forehead, chest, right shoulder, and left shoulder respectively. It represents the Christian cross.
This gesture is used by Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and some other Christian groups in prayers, to perform blessings, and as a salute before entering a church or similar place of religious significance. It is also used in various kinds of Christian folk religion to avert evil or bad luck.
Eye-rolling
This is when a person moves his or her pupils to the top of their eyes to indicate (according to Garfield's Insults, Put-Downs, and Slams) that some "lower life-form is wasting your valuable time" or as a sign of frustration.
Fig sign
This is the forming of a fist in such a way that one's thumb pokes out between the middle and index fingers. In many cultures, it signifies "screw you". Alternately, carved images of hands in this gesture are used as good luck talismans in Brazil.
The Finger
This is a fist with the middle finger extended. It appears to be universally understood as fuck you. See: the finger
Flipping the bird
This is done by raising the middle and index finger with the back of the hand directed at the recipient. It is originally a sign of defiance the Saxon archers used at the Normans, but nowadays many think it means "screw you".
Horns
This is a fist with the index and pinky finger extended. It has a variety of meanings, depending on culture and area. In some places, it is a sexual insult, charging a man with being a victim of cuckoldry. It is also a representation of the Devil, and as such is used as a salute by fans of heavy metal music. In college sports in the United States, it is also associated with fans of the Texas Longhorns.
Italian elbow gesture
This is performed in two parts: first, the right hand is placed on the elbow of the left arm. The left arm is then raised (fist clenched) at the victim in a smooth and continuous motion. This gesture is associated with Italians and is a considered a more theatrical and physically exuberant version of The Finger.
Knocking on wood
This signifies the neutralization of a jinxing brought on by either mentioning a hoped-for or feared result. In Finland this is only valid if done on bare wood.
Live long and prosper
This is a raised hand, palm outward, fingers extended, with the index and middle finger kept close together, and the ring and pinky finger close together, with a 'V' shaped space between them. This is associated with the phrase "Live long and prosper," and derives from Star Trek, where it is used as a salute by the fictional humanoid species of Vulcans. It was introduced by Leonard Nimoy in his character of Mr. Spock. The usual response to this gesture is to raise one's hand in the same manner and reply, "Peace and long life." Some people find this gesture initially difficult to perform.
Nose thumbing
For this gesture, also known as "cocking a snoot", the thumb is placed on the tip of the nose, with the remaining fingers of the hand extended and waggled freely. This gesture is ended with a dramatic flicking of the thumb away from the end of the nose and towards the recipient. In the United States, it conveys a general message of contempt. To add emphasis, the gesture can be made using both hands, connecting them by touching the little finger of the first hand with the thumb of the second, and waggling the remaining seven fingers.
It is frequently accompanied in the United States by the utterance of a Bronx cheer.
OK
This is the touching of the index and middle finger (or just index finger) with the thumb (forming a rough circle) with the raising of the remaining fingers. In the United States, it means "OK" and is inoffensive. In other cultures it is a sexual or scatological gesture.
Peace / "V" for Victory
This is the reverse side of "flipping the bird," made by lifting the middle and index finger with the palm of the hand facing the recipient (and the remaining fingers clenched). It was associated with the catchphrase "V" for Victory in World War II. In the 1960s, it came to be known as the "peace sign," the gestural equivalent of the peace symbol. It was associated with British prime minister Winston Churchill and U.S. president Richard Nixon. The sign also was famously misused by George W. Bush in Australia, where he intended to make the peace sign at protesters, but did it the "wrong way" causing great furor in the Australian tabloids.
Wanker
This is where a loose fist (with all fingers forming a cylindrical shape) is made, and shaken back and forth. The gesture is imitative of the motions of male masturbation, which gives the gesture its meaning.
See also
Referenced By
Cognitive linguistics | Language aquisition
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