World

15 entries for this region — of which 14 complete, 1 drafts.

• The Thai Three-Finger Salute (Hunger Games)Borrowed from Hunger Games, three raised fingers can lead to arrest in Bangkok under military rule.
  CompleteOffense
• The Vulcan salute (Star Trek, 1967)Hand raised, fingers spread in a V separating index-middle from ring-little, accompanied by "Live long and prosper" : gesture created by Leonard Nimoy for Star Trek in 1967, directly inspired by the Jewish Birkat Kohanim and the Hebrew letter shin ש (see e0122).
  CompleteCuriosity
• The so-called Roman / fascist saluteArm extended, palm down — gesture neither Roman nor ancient, invented by David 1784, adopted by D'Annunzio 1919 then Mussolini 1925. Criminally banned in Germany, Austria, Belgium and several countries. Distinct from the specific Nazi salute (e0060).
  CompleteTaboo
• Devil horns / metal horns / sign of the horns (rock salute)Index and little finger raised, other fingers folded: a metal-culture allegiance gesture popularized by Ronnie James Dio in 1979. Iconographically identical to the Italian corna (e0005) but semantically distinct; not to be confused with the cornuto insult (e0018).
  CompleteMisunderstanding
• The shaka (Hawaiian hang loose sign)Thumb and pinky extended, three middle fingers curled: the Hawaiian greeting of goodwill and relaxation, spread worldwide by surf culture.
  CompleteCuriosity
• Hitler salute (Hitlergruß, Deutschgruß)Right arm extended, palm down — Nazi hate symbol legally banned in Germany, Austria, Belgium and several other countries. Origin: chain David 1784, D'Annunzio 1919, Mussolini 1925, Hitler 1926.
  CompleteInsult
• Korean finger heartKorean K-pop gesture: two index fingers and two thumbs joined, forming a stylized heart in front of the chest. Affection, fan solidarity, love. Massive global diffusion since 2010s via Korean popular culture.
  CompleteNeutral
• Kunik (Inuit nose-to-nose greeting)Affectionate Inuit greeting: two people bring noses and cheeks together, exchange breaths. Affection, gratitude, warmth. An ancient Arctic tradition, little known outside the polar regions.
  CompleteNeutral
• Three fingers (silver) - JapanJapanese gesture: three fingers raised (thumb, forefinger, middle finger) = money, bill. Very regionalized, little known outside Japan.
  CompleteNeutral
• Hi Wakanda Forever (Black Panther)Black Panther cinematic gesture (Marvel): two closed fists raised, arms crossed in X. Wakanda allegiance, Afro-diaspora solidarity. In actual use since 2018 as an affirmation of African cultural identity.
  CompleteNeutral
• Peace gesture (dove)Universal gesture of peace: two hands open, palms down. Used worldwide to express peace, solidarity and non-violence. No offense intended.
  CompleteNeutral
• Arctic nose rub (Kunik inuit)Intimate Inuit greeting (kunik): nose against nose or cheek, olfactory sharing, kinship and affection bond. Systematically suppressed by Canadian colonization.
  CompleteMisunderstanding
• Monochronous vs. polychronous time (Edward Hall)Edward Hall (1966): the world is divided between linear time cultures (sequential work, fixed hours) and relational time cultures (conversational, flexible).
  CompleteInsult
• Offer 12 red roses (commitment - universal misunderstanding)
  CompleteMisunderstanding
• Hook 'em Horns (Texas)Texan gesture: two fingers raised in V (index, middle), forming the 'horns' of UT Austin's Longhorn. Football team support, Texan university pride. Low risk of offense.
  DraftCuriosity