In the United States, giving someone a thumbs up making a horn shape with your fingers are usually considered to be friendly gestures. But in other countries, those hand signals might have an entirely different and potentially insulting meaning. When traveling abroad, you should always be aware of local customs and etiquette rules. Rather than risk offending a local, take some time to learn about what’s considered impolite before you travel to an unfamiliar location. To start, here are six common hand gestures that you should avoid using in certain countries.
Reverse “V” Sign – United Kingdom
In the U.S., holding your index and middle finger in the shape of a “V” with your palm facing out is known as the peace sign. But in the United Kingdom, that same gesture stands for “victory,” and it was popularized by Winston Churchill as a gesture to convey hope during World War II. On your travels to the U.K. or Commonwealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand, be careful to avoid turning your palm inward. That’s because making a “V” sign with the back of your hand facing out is akin to telling someone, “Up yours!”
Beckoning – The Philippines
In order to beckon someone, you may place your palm toward the sky and curl either one or all of your fingers toward you. However, this is a highly offensive gesture in the Philippines. In fact, it’s considered to be such an insult that it’s even punishable by arrest in extreme instances. This is due to the fact that Filipinos often use this same gesture to summon dogs and other animals. Fortunately, there’s a much better alternative for calling someone over in the Philippines — just face your palm down instead of upward and bring the fingers toward you in a scratching motion.
Crossing Your Fingers – Vietnam
Crossing your fingers brings you the opposite of good luck in Vietnam, as the gesture is understood to be deeply offensive. Locals liken the appearance of crossed fingers to a part of the female anatomy, which has earned the gesture its unfortunate connotation. If you’re looking to wish someone good luck while traveling through Vietnam, just say chúc may mắn instead.
Pointing With Your Index Finger – Malaysia
Be careful not to use the wrong finger when pointing at someone or something in Malaysia. What is considered the most offensive digit over in Southeast Asia is also the most common one here in America: the index finger. Malaysians consider pointing with your index finger to be bad etiquette, though pointing with your thumb is perfectly acceptable.
Horns – Italy
For Americans, making a horn shape with your index and pinky fingers outstretched generally means, “Rock on!” But in Italy and other Mediterranean countries, the sign of the horns can be considered taboo depending on how you use it. If you keep the fingers pointed downward, it’s a gesture of good luck that’s used to ward off evil. But if you point the “horns” at someone or raise your fingers toward the sky, then the gesture is considered highly offensive. Wagging your hand around adds further insult, so avoid it at all costs.
Chin Flick – Belgium
While in Belgium, be careful to avoid flicking the bottom of your chin with the backside of your hand. Locals use this gesture to tell another person to “get lost.” This is also the case in places like Tunisia and northern Italy. Interestingly, the chin-flick gesture means something entirely different in southern Italy, where it’s used to simply say “no.”
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