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However, its perceived meaning varies significantly from culture to culture. [15] In Tibet, the thumbs-up gesture is a traditional way of begging for mercy. [16] The sign has been said to have a pejorative meaning in Iran. [17] In recent years however, the negative meaning of the gesture has generally disappeared.
A gesture is a form of non-verbal communication or non-vocal communication in which visible bodily actions communicate particular messages, either in place of, or in conjunction with, speech. Gestures include movement of the hands, face, or other parts of the body.
Maru, (literally "circle") in Japanese culture is a gesture made by holding both arms curved over the head with the hands joined, thus forming a circular shape, to express that something is "correct" or "good". This is the counterpart of "batsu", above, though its daily use is not quite as widespread.
Likewise, the thumbs up gesture could show "OK" or "good" in countries like the United States, South Africa, France, Lebanon and Germany. But this same gesture is insulting in other countries like Iran, Bangladesh and Thailand, where it is the equivalent of showing the middle finger in some cultures.
The gesture was devised by Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy as a salute for the alien Vulcan species, and is popular within the Science fiction fandom and nerd culture. The blessing phrase " live long and prosper " (written by Theodore Sturgeon ) is frequently spoken alongside it.
In Madagascar, the gesture is an insult referring to one's mother's genitalia. [citation needed] In Romania and Moldova, the gesture is an insult often referring to "Hai sictir" which means "shut up" or "fuck off." In Mongolia, the gesture is called "salaavch" (Mongolian: Салаавч) and means "between the gap". Oftentimes one would say "mai!"
The hand gesture meaning "OK" is now considered a hate symbol, according to a new report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The sign was one of 36 new entries added to the organization's Hate ...
In Italy and other parts of the Mediterranean region, the gesture must usually be performed with the fingers tilting downward or in a leveled position not pointed at someone and without movement to signify the warding off of bad luck; in the same region and elsewhere, the gesture may take a different, offensive, and insulting meaning if it is ...