Flash someone a well-meaning thumbs up sign in Russia, and theyll interpret it as a vulgar insult.

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.

What country is thumbs up offensive?

In Iran, Greece, Russia, Sardinia, and parts of West Africa the thumbs up is as rude as the middle finger is in the UK. So no posing in front of the Parthenon making the thumbs up gesture like a nerdy tourist.

What is the meaning of thumbs up in other countries?

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! Its used the same way the middle finger is in the US.

What is the Russian equivalent of the middle finger?

Shish Shish. Through the ages in Russian, this particular gesture – which involves sticking ones thumb through the index and middle fingers – has been the equivalent of sticking your middle finger up at someone.

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 does thumbs-up mean urban dictionary?

For the record, Urban Dictionary says a thumbs-up is “said when someone did something good,” but another definition notes that, “Giving someone the thumbs up hand gesture or emoji, is another way to say f–k you.

Is it rude to wave in Korea?

This is considered very rude in Korea, where people instead normally hold out their hand palm facing down, and then wave their fingers inwards.

What does 🤞 mean from a girl?

A from a girl means that they are definitely into you and it tells the guy to keep on texting. The girl is obviously interested and the emoji is her way of telling you that she wants more.