The finger

:This article is about the vulgar gesture. For information on mammalian prehensile digits, see finger.

Interpretation

In the United States the gesture, which is often accompanied by a verbal insult ("fuck you" or "up yours" being quite common) is generally considered very offensive -- perhaps twice as offensive when the gesture is made using both hands, or when accompanied by a vigorous upward motion of the hand and forearm.

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Canada and most of Europe have a more liberal stance, and modest to heavy use of the gesture is tolerated. In Asia, notably in Hong Kong or Singapore whose cultures are westernized, the gesture is also a taboo. In Germany, showing it to an individual can be considered as an insult and theoretically is punishable with a fine of up to a month's income. However, enforcement is nearly unknown.

Related Topics:
Canada - Europe - Liberal - Asia - Hong Kong - Singapore - Taboo - Germany

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In Portugal this sign is made holding the big finger straight between the other bending fingers. The two bended fingers closed to the big one stand for the testicles.

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In China, contrary to the offensive nature of the gesture in other cultures, Chinese Sign Language used by the deaf of China employ this handshape to represent the first born male or number one son, a position of status in traditional Chinese culture.

Related Topics:
China - Deaf

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In some Mediterranean countries, and much of Asia, it is permissible to use the middle finger to point to something (on a written page for example) and some Western cultures often tolerate the use of the middle finger to point to things. However, in North America it is considered more polite to use the forefinger to point to something. (Even so, in the U.S. and British Commonwealth pointing at a person with any finger is considered rude, but using the entire hand to point at a person is acceptable.)

Related Topics:
Mediterranean - Asia - Western culture - British Commonwealth

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In the UK, a two fingered hand gesture made with the palm inward with a reversed peace sign, is considered to be highly insulting. http://www.ideaorg.net/skinscribe/images/webold5.jpg It is similar in severity to the "one-fingered salute" and means "Fuck off". However, in recent years its use has declined in favor of the "one-fingered salute", partly due to American influence.

Related Topics:
UK - Fuck off

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