Geography of misunderstanding
Neutral
- brazil
- mexico
- caribbean
Related files
- The V with inverted palmChurchill with open palm announces victory; the same hand rotated 180° insults a London pub. A flick of the wrist separates two worlds.
- The OK ring (thumb-index circle)A validation gesture in English-speaking countries and a divers' safety signal — yet in São Paulo, Istanbul or Athens the same thumb-index circle depicts an anal orifice. One of the most treacherous emblems to take abroad.
- Thumbs upThe 'like' button has almost erased a regional taboo. Almost. Offline, and outside the connected generation, the thumbs-up can still offend in Iraq, rural Greece or Iran.
- Thumbs downThe reverse twin of the thumbs-up in Western culture: categorical rejection and social disapproval. But its significance varies from region to region, and Roman iconography is largely invented.
- The horns (corna / mano cornuta)Index and little fingers extended: a playful rock salute in the North West, and protection against the evil eye in Mediterranean folklore when the fingers point down. But with fingers up and aimed at a person in Italy, Spain, Greece or Latin America, the same fingers mean "cuckold" — a serious sexual insult. A gesture split by geography and the orientation of the hand.
- The figue (mano fico)Thumb pressed between index and middle finger: a protective amulet against the evil eye since Mediterranean antiquity, still worn as a good-luck charm in Brazil. But aimed at a person in Italy, Greece or Turkey it is a serious sexual obscenity; in Russia, a mere mocking gesture of refusal. One gesture, three readings.