Apart from words, it is normal to use hand gestures to create more flexible but effective communication. A wave of the hand, a thumbs up, even a slight touch to the person you are talking to definitely gives a deeper meaning and impression than just words.
But as the saying goes, different fish are different. According to the Reader’s Digest page, it turns out there are, you know, hand gestures that we think are normal, but actually have rude meanings in other countries.
So, so that Beauties are not considered “making trouble” when visiting other countries, check out the list below:
1. Thumbs Up
Thumbs Up/Photo: Freepik.com/cookie_studio
This hand gesture generally has a positive meaning because it shows praise or approval. However, surprisingly, this does not apply in Iran, Afghanistan and several surrounding countries.
For people in the area, giving a thumbs up is as rude as raising the middle finger. Even though they are currently trying to understand, it would be better if Beauties kept their feelings in check, right?
2. “Peace” sign
“Peace” sign/Photo: Freepik.com
The use of the “V Sign” is generally known as a symbol of peace. Meanwhile, Winston Churchill is known to have often used it to convey the message “V for Victory”. However, be careful when demonstrating this gesture in England.
In that country, the “V” gesture shown with the palm facing inward is considered a hostile message. However, it is generally safe for Beauties to show this gesture with their palms facing the outside or the person they are talking to.
3. Pointing with the Forefinger
Pointing with the Forefinger/Photo: Pexels.com/Mâide Arslan
Since childhood, perhaps Beauties have been taught not to point at someone with their index finger. However, in Malaysia, and maybe some areas in Indonesia, this rule is really very strict. Pointing at anything, especially by laughing or talking, is considered impolite and “pamali”. They will prefer to use two fingers, or thumbs, when pointing at something.
4. “OK” signal
“OK” gesture/Photo: Freepik.com/benzoix
Combining the index and thumb to form an “O”, which automatically makes the other three fingers look like a ‘K” is a common way to simplify agreement.
However, in South American countries, this gesture actually refers to parts of the body that are considered rotten. This expression is often used by people in Brazil to hurl racist insults, especially at Middle Eastern people.
5. Rock On
Rock on/Foto: Freepik.com/master1305
The thumb and little finger are up, while the middle three fingers are folded, perhaps a gesture that shows a relaxed, rock-hard personality. But don’t think this will be considered cool in Western Europe.
Several countries there, especially Italy and Spain, considered this an insult and an invitation to dissent. The reason is, this gesture is considered similar to the symbol of horns and is a symbol of infidelity/adultery.
6. Touching People’s Heads
Touching People’s Heads/Photo: Pexels.com/Darina Belonogova
Touching people’s heads, especially children or younger people, is often seen as an affectionate and sweet gesture. But never do it in Thailand because this will make them think that you are arrogant.
According to Reader’s Digest, the head area is the most sacred part for Thai people so touching it carelessly is considered a serious violation.
7. Using the Left Hand
Using the Left Hand/Photo: Pexels.com/MART PRODUCTION
Left-handed people should be careful when visiting some countries, such as India and some areas of the Middle East. Like Indonesians, they believe that the right and left hands have their own duties and should not be mixed. Maybe for us this is quite relatable, but of course this culture often clashes with Americans and those around them.
8. Chin Flick
Chin Flick/Photo: Freepik.com
This gesture may be quite common to show you are relaxing or thinking. However, if you do it in Italy, or are a citizen of that country, you will be considered aggressive, impolite and tend to belittle other people.
9. Pointing to the Moon
Pointing to the Moon/Photo: Pexels.com/M. Catalin Cardei
It’s not about interacting with humans, pointing towards the moon is considered disrespectful to the Moon Goddess. For Taiwanese people, doing this will bring wrath and punishment from heaven.
10. Waving
Waving Hands/Freepik.com/benzoix
Filipinos generally avoid any hand signals. Even something as seemingly natural as waving your hand will be considered an insult as it is commonly used to address animals. This apparently also applies in South Korea and several other regions, especially in Asia. To be safer, you should avoid this gesture when traveling to another country.
Wow, it turns out there are a lot of hand signals that we consider normal and normal, but it turns out they can cause problems in other countries. Therefore, it is best to maintain your attitude when going abroad or dealing with people from foreign countries so as not to cause problems.
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