What does thumbs up mean in different cultures?

What does thumbs up mean in different cultures?

Shayanne Gal/Business Insider. The thumbs-up gesture is a sign of approval in most countries. However, in several countries in West Africa and the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the gesture has the connotation of “up yours!” It’s used the same way the middle finger is in the US.

Why is Russian thumbs offensive?

The “thumbs up” sign was originally thought to have come from the Roman Coliseum, where the fates of gladiators were decided. Other studies suggest they come from WWII pilots signalling each other in the air.

Is thumbs up in Brazil offensive?

Throughout Brazil, use the thumbs-up gesture to indicate that something is OK. The gesture created by making a circle with your thumb and index finger and holding your other fingers up in the air has a very rude meaning. See our Brazil Travel Guide.

Does a smile mean the same in all cultures?

However, many of us assume smiling means the same thing in all cultures. This, though, is not the case. In fact, for one, different cultures smile more or less than one another. Some cultures even have different intents for smiling and different times that are appropriate for such.

Why does thumbs up mean good?

The thumbs-up sign that today means “O.K.” in that lexicon expressed disapproval. The Latin term for the gesture of approval, Corbeill explains, is pollices premere, which means “press your thumbs” and has been described by Pliny the Elder as a common gesture of good wishes.

What hand gesture is considered rude in Brazil?

The “dar uma banana” or “give a banana” gesture in Brazil is an extremely offensive and rude gesture and it consists of bending the right arm at the elbow with the hand as a fist while making a chopping movement with the left arm towards the right elbow as in a forearm jerk.

How do different cultures express emotions?

Arousal level of actual and ideal emotions has consistently been found to have cross-cultural differences. In Western or individualist culture, high arousal emotions are valued and promoted more than low arousal emotions. Moreover, Westerners experience high arousal emotions more than low arousal emotions.

Are there any cultures in which the ” thumbs up ” hand gesture is offensive?

Are there any cultures in which the “thumbs up” hand gesture is offensive? In the USA it’s common to give a thumbs up to say “Yes, this is good” or “Thanks” or convey another appropriate positive meaning. Are there cultures in which the “thumbs up” gesture a) would not be understood, or b) would be offensive to the local people?

What does thumbs up mean in different countries?

But to the surprise of the Russian audience the group angrily stood up and left feeling insulted.It was later explained that in some parts of Pakistan ‘Thumbs up’ mean the same as showing the ‘Middle finger’. The other sign with the forefinger and thumb into a circle mostly means ‘Great’ or ‘Fantastic’or ‘Prima’.

What does the thumbs up gesture in the Middle East mean?

However, if it is used in Australia, Greece, or the Middle East — especially if it is thrust up as a typical hitchhiking gesture would be — it means essentially “Up yours!” or “Sit on this!” The thumbs up gesture can also create some real problems for those who count on their fingers.

Is the thumbs up a sign of approval?

The thumbs-up gesture is a sign of approval in most countries. However, in several countries in West Africa and the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the gesture has the connotation of “up yours!” It’s used the same way the middle finger is in the US.