Hand Gestures

As explained in the first page of hand gestures, a single sign can definitely have several meanings depending on how it is displayed. To the right are four images of the “Horns” sign that demonstrate this statement. All have quite unique meanings based on how the hand is held. Two further variations not included in the images are the “surfers greeting” and the “telephone” gesture. These are depicted later.

The “Horns” or “Corna” gesture has most recently been adopted by fans of rock and heavy metal music (See Safe, Respect, We’re Cool), but it is believed to have been popularised by Black Sabbath vocalist Ronnie James Dio. In this context the hand gesture is a combination of the “evil eye” or Satan mixed up with a rejection of society in favour of an alternative sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll lifestyle. Nowadays many people around the world seem to use it to simply mean “rock on”. The symbolism behind a hand gesture can shift quite dramatically over a relatively short time period. (Continued at the bottom of this page)

THE EVIL EYE / CAMEL’S HEAD

Depending on the culture, this gesture is designed to curse or to ward-off a curse. Used as shown in the picture, it is inflicting an evil influence. However, if the arm is lowered and the fingers were pointed downwards it is more likely to mean that a curse has been deflected. To inflict a curse the hand is jabbed forward and aimed at the heart of the intended recipient. Very Italian in its use, its exact origins are unknown but it is a common and highly superstitious hand gesture in Naples where it should never be confused with the “You’ve been cuckolded” sign.

Evil Eye / Camel's Head

THE EVIL EYE / CAMEL’S HEAD

SAFE / RESPECT / COOL / ANARCHY

SAFE / RESPECT / COOL / ANARCHY

This gesture, usually made across the stomach or chest was popularised by “rock’ legend Ronnie James Dio. It’s use as an alternative culture “Safe” or “all’s cool” hand gesture predates this in at least one country. This sign was common amongst South African teens prior to the fall of apartheid (1960’s / 80’s) and was generally accompanied by the expression “Et Ta Da” or “Ay Teh Dah” or in English, “Safe” which meant “Everything’s good – how are you?” It has since moved into Rock and Goth subculture to mean We’re Cool or Rock on.

THE CUCKOLD GESTURE

Uocchio e maluocchio: This is a variation of the “horns” hand gesture that is reasonably common in Italy – and Naples in particular. The hand is held up and the fingers are extended as shown. The wrist is swivelled back and forth. In Naples it it is usually used by women to a insult a man and implies that he has been “cuckolded” or in simpler terms – his wife (girlfriend) is having an affair. Shown by one man to another it is considered very serious “Fighting Talk” and is one of the worst hand gestures that can be made. Its inappropriate use will usually result in physical violence.

Cuckold Hand Gesture

THE CUCKOLD GESTURE

Longhorn Gesture

Longhorns Gesture – Texas

THE LONGHORNS GESTURE

The Longhorns Gesture“Hook em Horns” is the slogan and typical hand gesture of the Austin based University of Texas. Used as a greeting and farewell, the gesture is so geocentric that in Austin its use has eclipsed all its other national and international meanings. This hand gesture is meant to represent the mascot of the University – a longhorn steer by the (strange) name of Bevo. “A variant of the Horns, formed upside down, is often used by rivals of the Longhorns and is considered insulting, especially when performed by a player or coach of the team in question.”

DO YOU GET IT / UNDERSTAND?

The fingers of the dominant hand are closed as if “pinching” an idea. It is usually used by a dominant to a subordinate to enforce a verbal point that has just been made. In essence, it is a physical representation of the statement/; “So you get the idea?” In Italy, the land of the Hand Gesture, it can also mean “what are you saying? Depending on how obvious and aggressive the signal, it can vary in intensity from “Casual” to “mildly rude”. The more it is waved and thrust at the recipient, the more it can be perceived as derogatory.

DO YOU GET IT / WAIT A MOMENT

STEEPLE HAND GESTURE

THE STEEPLE

The Steeple Hand GestureBelieved to be a sure sign of confidence this is most commonly used by a seated person and imparts a clear message of authority and serene control. In many cases this is a superior to subordinate hand gesture. It can also imply that the user is listening patiently and wisely while at the same time thinking deep and important thoughts. As such, it’s similar to meditation postures. Still, if used too blatantly, it can be misinterpreted as supercilious or “master mind at work.” It has been used often in B-grade “Hong Kong” movies usually performed by the master villain.

COME HERE!

The Come Here Hand Gesture in today’s (Western) society, the “crooked finger” is seen as a somewhat impolite hand gesture. The hand is extended and the forefinger is then repeatedly curled towards the palm in a hooking motion. Almost exclusively a superior-to-subordinate (parent-to-child) hand gesture, it has arrogance about it. You may have used it on people more junior to yourself but just try it on your superior and then watch their shocked facial expression. It is used for summoning a waiter and, in some countries; it is used exclusively for calling-over a prostitute (Philippines).

The Come Here Hand Gesture

COME HERE HAND GESTURE

Body Lanuage - Power to the People

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Today this powerful gesture simply means defiance against authority, solidarity and, in certain contexts, anarchy. Once very common amongst communists, protest gatherings and anti-racism movements, this was the gesture Nelson Mandela chose to make when he was released from Robin Island after three decades of captivity. It is sometimes known as the “Red Salute” and “Black Power” gesture made recognisable by the Black Panther political group. According to some sources, anarchists and protesters raise the right fist and communists the left.

THE BEGGING GESTURE

The empty hands, shaped as they are above, suggest that the applicant doesn’t even have a bowl. It signals a degree of desperation on the part of the user. In language it states “I have nothing left to offer but my humility and a plea for your charity.” when used by genuine beggars there is no misunderstanding its context. However, when subconsciously used in circumstance where the user is clearly not living-hand-to-mouth it is plea for agreement and support while acknowledging that they are wholly dependant on the whim of the person for which the gesture is intended.

THE BEGGING GESTURE

Bring It On

BRING IT ON – IF YOU’RE TOUGH ENOUGH

BRING IT ON – IF YOU’RE TOUGH ENOUGH

Bring it On! Let’s Fight. Similar to the “crooked finger” hand gesture this body language is using an opened fist to beckon someone closer to engage in a fight. Done with both hands in the style depicted above it is an aggressive stance. The hands are extended palm up and the tips of the fingers of one or both are repeatedly curled towards the palm. It is most commonly seen when a person is challenging their opponent to step forward and “have a go.” Translated into language it would say. “I’m ready for you. I’m not going to attack you unless you make the first move. Are you tough enough?”

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However, some rude hand gestures are so universally established that their use in just about any country can get a person into serious trouble. The “Middle Finger” sign is just one example. In Dubai (United Arab Emirates) the use of obscene hand gestures by motorists is an offence that is likely to land a person in jail. The problem is that there are so many different cultures intermingled in the city that no one is really sure what is rude and what isn’t. As a consequence, drivers hardly ever gesture to each other – even to say thank you – just in case that casual wave is misinterpreted.

An interesting observation by scientists is that chimpanzees learn hand gestures quite quickly and even seem to use them in the wild without training. These gestures actually seem to apply cognitive meaning to their use. This is seen as significant evidence that hand gestures, as a form of communication, may significantly predate the spoken word.

“Amy S. Pollick and Frans B. M. de Waal of the Yerkes National Primate Research Centre report that the two species (Chimpanzees and Bonobos) use gestures in a much more flexible way than facial or vocal signals.”
– New York Times Online 2007/1/05

It’s therefore no surprise that we still use them. Today, our facial expressions are the equivalent of a perpetual PowerPoint display of our emotions. A huge amount of communication using facial expressions needs no words at all. A smile to say: “I’m pleased” or “I’m happy” or even “I like you” is enough.

These expressions are more than a statement of a person’s emotional state they occur to reinforce or contradict what is being said. They are just as often used to provide others with feedback about the communication being received. A child being “told-off” looks down to acknowledge to the parent that he or she understands the communication and now feels shame. Two-way communication is taking place at many levels.

Sometimes facial expressions are simply automatic responses to protect the delicate organs of the face. Eyes narrow when threatened and a person will wrinkle their nose in disgust in an attempt to keep from inhaling a bad smell that might be dangerous. As stated before, the science behind body language is fascinating but this website is mainly dedicated to the recognition of body language and what the individual signals and expressions mean.