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Common American Gestures That Are Highly Offensive Abroad

Ok

Body language is how we sometimes bridge the communication gap. Hand gestures or movements can mean different things across the world and these common American gestures that are highly offensive abroad could get you into some travel trouble…

Peace, Man

Extending two fingers – your index and middle finger – can mean, “Save me two seats,” or “I’ll take two pints,” but it can also mean the same thing as extending a middle finger in America. The “two finger salute” is essentially flipping the bird abroad. Just make sure you keep your palm facing outward to prevent a misunderstanding.

Talk to the Hand

Showing the palm of your hand, fingers spread out can mean, “Wait a moment,” or “Stop” in the states. In Greece, it’s a reference to Byzantine times when criminals were punished by being paraded through the streets as people smeared excrement on their faces. Also avoid this gesture in Africa, Mexico, and the Middle East.

Thumbs Up

Hitchhikers use the thumbs up to signal drivers they need a ride, or someone might use it to convey satisfaction here in the United States, but in Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy the gesture means “up yours.”

Ok

Touching your index finger to the tip of your thumb and leaving the rest of your fingers stick out freely is the symbol for “Ok” here in America. In Turkey, Brazil, Venezuela, and France, it will offend gay people and call others an specific part of the body located in the rear.

Horns

Rocking out or conveying enthusiasm at a Long Horns game by extending your pink and index finger, isn’t welcomed in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and Colombia. It insinuates someone’s wife is unfaithful.

Come Here

Curling your finger and motioning for someone to come to you is standard stateside, but in the Philippines, Singapore, and Japan, the gesture is used for calling dogs and is very rude.