Thumbs Up
The “thumbs up” is a common symbol of approval or contentment. The hand sign is formed by making a fist, then extending a thumb and pointing it upward. In American and European cultures, it’s used to express agreement, approval, or the fact that everything is going according to plan. Similarly, the “thumbs down” gesture is commonly used in the U.S. to mean the opposite of a “thumbs up,” i.e., disapproval or disagreement. The “thumbs down” and “thumbs up” emojis are also very commonly used to express these ideas over text. In other countries, however, these hand signs have a different meaning. The “thumbs up” sign is considered a major insult in many Islamic and Asian countries, and the “thumbs down” sign may be considered rude and arrogant in other cultures. In Australia, the “thumbs up” gesture shares the European and American meanings unless it’s moved up and down—which turns it into an insult.
Peace or Victory Sign
The peace sign is a mostly universal positive symbol of peace and unity. This meaning of the peace sign came about during the Vietnam War and the “hippie” era in the United States, during which the peace sign began to symbolize pacifism and efforts to end the conflict. Prior to the 1960s, however, the hand sign that features the index and middle fingers extended in a “V” actually indicated “victory.” For this reason, the symbol is sometimes referred to as a “victory sign.” In the U.S., the peace sign holds the same meaning regardless of palm orientation. In other countries like the U.K., South Africa, and Australia, however, making a peace sign with the palm facing inward is considered a major insult.
OK Sign
The “OK” sign means “okay” or “fine by me.” The hand sign is made by curling the index finger and thumb into a circle and then extending the remaining fingers upward. The OK sign is a common hand gesture throughout the English-speaking world and is typically used to say that everything is going well. This symbol has varied meanings across different cultures and also has been partially co-opted by modern-day hate groups. In Brazil, Germany, Russia, and France, the gesture is considered to be an extremely rude insult. In New Zealand it’s used to call out a lazy person, and in Australia it’s used to express the number “zero.” In Buddhism, the “OK” sign is called the Vitarka Mudra and represents the Wheel of Dharma. It’s often used in meditation and other spiritual practices. Unfortunately, the OK symbol has also been used by white supremacy groups to indicate their affiliation and express racist views. The hand gesture has now been classified as an official hate gesture, but it’s still widely used for its original, positive meaning.
Shaka Sign
The shaka hand sign can mean “right on,” “take it easy,” or “doing great.” Originating in Hawaiian culture, this symbol is used for any friendly message that expresses gratitude or goodwill. Sometimes called the “hang loose” or “surfer” sign, the shaka sign is made by curling the three middle fingers inward while extending the thumb and pinky finger. The gesture can be given added emphasis by twisting the hand back and forth with the knuckles facing outward.
Vulcan Salute
The Vulcan Salute means to “live long and prosper.” This hand gesture comes from the Star Trek franchise and is often used between fans to identify each other and express their common interests. The salute itself is made by holding up one’s hand and separating the fingers to create a “V” shape between the middle and ring fingers.
Heart Hands
The heart-hands gesture visually represents love and friendship. Just like any heart symbol, the heart hands express feelings of fondness and affection. The heart sign can be formed in different ways and is often distinguished by generation—millennials are known to use all their fingers to form the heart, while Gen Z use only their index and middle fingers. The millennial version of the heart hands sign is also commonly associated with Taylor Swift as a symbol of her Fearless era.
Pinched Fingers
The pinched fingers gesture is an Italian way to ask, “What do you want?” In Italian culture, it’s common for people to use their hands to speak and gesticulate. The “pinched fingers” gesture, however, has been popularized around the world to express disbelief or frustration. The hand sign itself is made by touching the fingers and thumb together while shaking the wrist. The same hand sign can also be used to say “chef’s kiss” and express that a meal was particularly tasty. This expression brings the “pinched fingers” to the lips to be kissed and moved away dramatically.
“Rock On” or the Sign of the Horns
The sign of the horns can mean anything from “rock on” to infidelity or devil worship. The hand gesture is made by curling the middle, thumb, and ring fingers in toward the palm while extending the index and pinky fingers upwards. In America, this symbol is often called the “rock on” symbol and is used by hard rock bands to express approval or enjoyment. In many European countries, however, this bull-like symbol is seen as the sign of the devil. Conversely, Hindu and Buddhist cultures use it as a positive symbol that expels demons, also known as the karana mudrā. Also known as the Corona, this hand gesture can also be used to indicate that one’s spouse is cheating on them in countries like Italy, Brazil, Cuba, Spain, and Portugal. The sign can also be used in more niche communities, like schools that have a bull or bull-like animal as their mascot. The student body of the University of Texas in Austin, for example, is known as the Longhorns, so they often flash this symbol at sporting events to show support for their team.
“I Love You” Sign
The “I love you” gesture is a shorthand way to say this phrase in American Sign Language. The ASL sign is made by curling the middle and ring fingers into the palm and extending the thumb, index, and pinky fingers outwards. This sign is a composite of the ASL fingerspelling signs for the letters “I,” “L,” and “Y,” so it’s similar to saying “ILY” over text or in real life! While this love hand sign originates with American Sign Language, it’s become popular in both Deaf and hearing communities alike.
“Come Here” Gesture
The “come here” gesture is used to summon someone toward you. In the U.S. and some other English-speaking countries, curling the index finger toward the palm is a way to say “come over here” or “come closer.” In other countries, however, it’s known as “the dog call” and should not be used to summon humans. In the Philippines, for instance, this hand gesture is considered to be incredibly offensive and can even result in arrest. The beckoning hand sign is also considered rude in Japanese culture and even signifies “death” in Singapore.
Extended Pinky Finger
Extending a pinky finger indicates sincerity in some cultures. In many English-speaking countries, extending your littlest finger is a way to initiate a pinky swear, which means that someone is making a heartfelt and genuine promise. In certain Asian countries like China, however, pointing outward with your pinky is considered a rude gesture and is best to be avoided.
Fingers Crossed
Crossing one’s fingers is a way to hope for good luck or for a wish to come true. This hand symbol is rooted in a common superstition in Western cultures where early Christians would cross their index and middle fingers to invoke the power of the cross. In modern times, it’s become a modern (and secular) symbol of hope and good fortune. Sometimes, the fingers-crossed gesture can be used as a way to be insincere while making a promise. Some people (often schoolchildren) will cross their fingers behind their backs while making a commitment, believing that this gesture frees them from the promise. In Vietnam, crossing one’s fingers is considered a vulgar symbol.
Fig Sign
The fig sign can be used as an insult or to ward off evil spirits. The hand sign is made by curling the hand into a fist and sticking the thumb between the index and middle fingers. The fig sign is considered to be a mildly obscene gesture in many countries, including Italy, Greece, and South Africa. Other countries, such as Russia and Azerbaijan, use this gesture to indicate a rude and absolute refusal. Meanwhile, Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian cultures use the fig hand sign as a way to ward off evil spirits and wish someone good luck.
Middle Finger
The middle finger is a universal symbol to offend or insult someone. Almost every country and culture in the world recognizes an extended middle finger as an offensive statement. The hand sign is often used as a way to instigate a fight and should be avoided as much as possible. The middle finger is also referred to with verbiage like “flipping someone off” or “giving someone the bird.”
“V” Hand Sign
The “V” hand sign held near the mouth alludes to oral sex. While similar in handshape to the peace or victory sign, this hand symbol is specifically held near the mouth to change its meaning and connotation. This sign and placement is used to suggest oral sex or otherwise sexual behavior.
“L” Hand Sign
The “L” hand sign is used to say “loser” or “loss.” This sign is made by extending the thumb and index finger in an “L” shape. Often, the hand is brought up to the forehead and used to insult someone else, effectively calling them a “loser.” However, the modern slang phrase “take an ‘L’” (meaning “take a loss” or “lose at something”) can also be represented by the “L” hand sign.
Double Pointer Fingers
Two index fingers pointing inwards indicate shyness. Popular with Gen Z, this hand sign is used to express that someone is too shy to say what they’re thinking or they’re working up the nerve to be honest about their feelings. Usually, this gesture is used when flirting or feigning innocence and is often seen in emoji form (????????).
“Ice In My Veins”
The “ice in my veins” gesture is a way to describe oneself as “cold-blooded.” The sign originated with Los Angeles Lakers player D’Angelo Russell, who placed two fingers on his inner arm to indicate that he’s cold-blooded. However, the hand gesture then took off on TikTok and became hugely popular with Gen Z.
“You Ate It”
The “you ate it” hand sign is used after a burp or fart in a gamelike way. Common amongst middle and high schoolers, the gesture involves opening the hand in a 5-shape and touching the forehead with the thumb. The symbol is used after someone burps or farts—people in the room will put their hand to their forehead, and the last person to do so “ate” the flatulence.
The Circle Game Gesture
This game uses an upside-down OK sign to trick others into getting hit. In a game popular among teachers, one person will randomly make this hand sign and hold it somewhere out of direct eyesight, usually at hip level. If someone else makes eye contact with the hand sign, they have to stick their index finger in the hole while looking away or else get smacked in the arm.
Talking on the Phone
Two different hand signs represent phone calls, depending on generation. Elder Gen Z individuals, along with older generations like millennials and Gen Xers, will indicate a phone call by holding a fist to their ear with their thumb and pinky extended. This handshape mimics the landline and flip phones that these generations grew up with. Members of young Gen Z and Gen Alpha, however, have only experienced smartphones and similar mobile devices. Therefore, they keep their hand completely flat and simply raise it to their ear.
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