Non Mi Interessa (“I don't care”) One of the most famous gestures, the so-called “chin flick” means “Non mi interessa!” – I don't care, and is formed by flicking the back of one's fingers under the chin.
The Chin Flick
Flicking your hand under your chin is pretty much the same as giving someone the middle finger, so refrain from using it. This hand gesture can get you in trouble in the U.S. as well as in Italy, Belgium, and Tunisia. In other countries, it means “get lost.”
Chin Flick
Simply brush the hand under the chin in a forward flicking motion. While not as aggressive as flashing one's actual genitalia, this gesture is legal and remains effective as a mildly insulting brush-off. Note: In Italy, this gesture simply means “No.”
Fingers Crossed
Bring the index fingers of both hands together to make an 'x' shape in front of your mouth. It means 'I swear it', or 'I promise it'.
The “finger purse/pinched fingers” gesture
Undoubtedly, the most famous around the world and probably the most used in Italy as well. It became a meme and also an emoji to basically symbolize the whole country.
Italian greetings are usually warm and rather formal. The common greeting is a handshake with direct eye contact and a smile. If the greeting is between a man and a woman, the woman generally extends her hand first. People avoid shaking hands over the top of other people's hands.
The “pinecone hand” gesture
The most classic of all Italian gestures known to man. Are you ready? It's the one and only “pinecone hand” gesture. Gather your fingertips to one imaginary point making sure to keep your fingers stretched out.
Thumbs-Up. Avoid using this gesture in: Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece. The gesture of 'Thumbs-up may look cool on Facebook or USA, but in Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece, it means "up yours." So, to avoid any awkwardness, next time you must reconsider what you are doing.
Why do Italians say chin-chin? Chin Chin seems to derive from an ancient Cantonese greeting (qǐng qǐng – 请请). This expression became popular among European merchants, who transcribed it as chin chin. The Italians liked it a lot because it reminded them of the sound of clinking glasses, and they adopted it as a toast.
Where does chef's kiss come from? The chef's kiss comes from the Italian gesture al bacio, literally “kiss” but with the sense of “excellent.” The image of a male Italian chef performing this gesture—often with a mustache, white chef's hat, and apron—spread in US advertisements after World War 2.
The “finger kiss” is a famous Italian hand gesture that conveys the meaning of “Eccellente” or “Excellent.” It is typically used to express appreciation or admiration for something or someone.
Favorite is signed by tapping your middle finger on your chin. You take an open palm, indent your middle finger slightly, and tap it on your chin. The same sign is used for taste (sometimes with the finger tapped a little higher on the lips instead of on the chin). HOME / DICTIONARY / Favorite.
Gesture frontier
In Northern Italy, this gesture generally means 'get lost', whereas in Southern Italy it simply means 'no'. According to Morris, this is due to the ancient Greek colonisation of Southern Italy, as Greeks also use the 'chin flick' gesture to mean 'no'.
4 Fingers as a Show of Support
In 2017, tons of celebrities were holding up 4 fingers in pictures, especially on Instagram. This trend started because of BBC's 1 in 4 mental health campaign, symbolizing how many people struggle with mental health issues.
It is improper to put one's hands on one's lap, or to stretch one's arms while at the table. Resting one's elbows on the table is also considered to be poor manners. Do not leave the table until everyone has finished eating. Drinking beverages other than water or wine with a meal is quite uncommon.
Americans often ask if Italians “flip the bird” and give someone the finger. The equivalent hand gesture is more emphatic: They clench the right fist and jerk the forearm up while slapping the right bicep with the left palm. It is considered both rude and obscene, and I highly advise against using it.
Figlio di puttana!
So this insult, which literally means “son of a whore,” is one of the strongest curse words in Italian.
Some of the most popular Italian swear words are "vaffanculo" (f***), "cazzo" (d***), "coglioni" (testicles), "puttana" (b****). These words can be used to compose several swearing expressions, such as "non capisci un cazzo", "girare i coglioni", "porca puttana".
The emoji ?, also known as the “I Love You Gesture” or “ILY” emoji, is a hand symbol that is used to express love and affection. The gesture is made by extending the thumb, index finger, and little finger while keeping the middle and ring fingers curled inward.
An emoji showing the fingers held together in a vertical orientation, often referred to as the Italian hand gesture ma che vuoi, sometimes called the "finger purse." In Italy this gesture tends to be used in disagreement, frustration, or disbelief and can mean “What do you want?” or “What are you saying?”
Try to find any family documents, such as birth certificates or immigration papers. If you're an American-Italian, the Ellis Island records might help. Try to find your ancestral hometown in Italy, many of the secrets of the past may be buried there. Look for historical census information.
Italy: Two kisses is standard, but watch out — Italians tend to start with the left cheek. Also, try to save it for casual social environments (not networking events).