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.
It's true that “thumbs up” traditionally translates as the foulest of Iraqi insults—the most straightforward interpretation is “Up yours, pal!” The sign has a similarly pejorative meaning in parts of West Africa, Russia, Australia, Iran, Greece, and Sardinia, according to Roger E.
1. The Thumbs Up. While you might be thinking thumbs up shows approval, real life is not like Facebook. In parts of the Arab world, the gesture is considered highly offensive, its impact is equivalent to the middle-finger in the West.
In some cultures, including Australia, Greece, and the Middle East, the thumbs-up gesture can be considered obscene, equivalent to “Up yours!” In many Western cultures, the thumbs-up emoji enjoys a wide range of use in text messages, social-media posts, and other forms of digital communication.
The thumbs up emoji usually just means “OK.”
The person you're texting is giving you their approval, so take it and leave it! Their 👍 is most likely a good sign and they are just agreeing with what you're saying. Say you asked a friend if they wanted to meet for lunch. Your friend may say “yes” by sending you a 👍 .
The "V" sign (made with index and middle fingers, palm facing inward) is a very vulgar gesture. The "thumbs up" gesture is also considered obscene.
Obscene Gestures: Some older Iraqis consider the 'thumbs-up' gesture to be obscene, but the younger generation has taken up the Western understanding of it. Hitting one's right fist into the open palm of the left hand can indicate obscenity or contempt.
While you might be thinking thumbs up shows approval, real life is not like Facebook. In parts of the Arab world, the gesture is considered highly offensive, its impact is equivalent to the middle-finger in the West. ...
The thumbs up usually means that all is well. In South India, however, this gesture is used differently. Here, the thumb is raised a little and you look questioningly to find out what is going on. If you also stretch your head in a demanding way, the gesture is reinforced.
Hand signs
Put hands on the chest: Puting hands on the chest is a gesture of sincerity. Thumbs up: This thumb gesture is a sign of agreement. It tells someone to know that they have done well.
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.
thumbs up in British English
an indication of encouragement, approval, or acceptance. See full dictionary entry for thumb.
But the religiosity sweeping Iraq does not bode well for their future. Female participation in folk dancing is considered haram, or forbidden, in Islam. Ayatollah al-Sistani, the leading Shiite cleric in Iraq, has issued strict guidelines against dancing in various situations.
Example: When your friend makes an excellent suggestion on what to do this weekend, you can simply give him or her a thumbs-up to show that you like the idea. Notes: It's a widely used positive hand gesture in Hong Kong, both in business and casual settings.
If you want to say “OK” you can give a person a thumbs-up or put your hands up above your hand, bend them in the elbows a bit to form a big “O” (called maru in Japanese). Remember, however, that thumb-down is an offensive sign in Japan.
' Unlike in Western cultures, where a 'thumbs up' is generally a sign of approval or a nod of encouragement, Thai tradition can mean different things depending on the context. In Thailand, for example, 'thumbs up' can be used as an ok sign, but it can also be considered rude in certain situations.
“Unfortunately, in Iran and neighboring countries like Afghanistan, the thumbs-up is equivalent to the middle finger!” explains Dana Hooshmand, an author for Discover Discomfort, a language- and culture learning resource. In America, the middle finger is the profane one; in Iran, it's the thumb.
The V sign, when the palm is facing toward the person giving the sign, has long been an insulting gesture in the United Kingdom, and later in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. It is frequently used to signify defiance (especially to authority), contempt, or derision.
The fig sign is a mildly obscene gesture that uses a thumb wedged in between two fingers. The gesture is most commonly used to ward off the evil eye, insult someone, or deny a request. It has been used at least since the Roman Age in Southern Europe and parts of the Mediterranean region, including in Turkish culture.
The appreciative Chinese would say ting hao de (挺好的) meaning "very good", and gesture with a thumbs up, which in Chinese means "you're number one". High officials in the Chinese government see it as a sign of respect.
Pointing: Australians point with their index finger, however it is considered rude to point directly at someone. Instead, they should be indicated to verbally. Obscene Gestures: Raising one's middle finger or making the 'V' sign with one's palm facing oneself is considered very rude in Australia.
In many countries in the West and in some parts of Asia, giving the ”thumbs up” sign is an indication that you agree or approve something. It's a common body language gesture most of us use daily. But it is not the case in Bangladesh. In this country, this is used as an insult.
🤟 I Love You Gesture emoji
It comes in a range of skin tones. It's used to express affection … but is also used when people are trying to find the sign of the horns 🤘instead (oops).
April 06, 2021. 🤘 = You Rock! or Rock On! 🤟 = Love You!