These Simple Hand Gestures Might Be Highly Misunderstood Abroad

var _bp=_bp||[]; _bp.push({ "div": "Brid_32382533", "obj": {"id":"12632","width":"1100","height":"618","video":"270038"}}); Certain gestures that you use almost every day at home can have a completely different meaning in other countries, and even be very insulting. You should avoid these 10 hand gestures when traveling abroad! 1Peace Sign With Palm Facing Inward When showing the Victory-Sign you have your index and middle fingers pointed up in the V shape. But make sure you show it with your palm facing outward. Otherwise the easy-going crowd may not understand your attempt to keep the peace. In some countries it basically means the same thing as giving the middle finger. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand ordering two pints with holding your hand the wrong way you're asking for trouble with the bartender. Therefore if the pub is loud and crowded, you better shout your order for two beers over the din with words rather than raising two fingers. Offended countries: United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. 2Thumbs-Up Anyone knows the thumbs-up sign from Facebook that showing your like or approval. But in Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy and Greece it means “up yours”. So if you’re traveling to one of these countries and trying to hitchhike you should reconsider before sticking out your thumb. You might not come very far ... Offended countries: Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece. 3The A-OK Touching your forefinger to your thumb and pointing the remaining three fingers straight up appears in the U.S. an attempt to create a crude "o" and "k". This gesture is also widely used in the diving world to both ask if a diver is fine, and for the diver to respond back that she is. Turns out making a circle with your index finger and thumb is not OK in certain countries. In France, for example, it means “zero” or “worthless.” In Venezuela and Brazil, it’s a vulgar slang that will offend pretty much anyone you flash it at. Which is completely confusing, is a different meaning in Germany. Here basically the "A-OK" is understood as everything is fine, but don't use it in road traffic. While driving it represents a concealed body part and using it can cost you a fine. In Greece and Turkey, it's also seen as quite vulgar, and insinuates the person to whom it's given is a homosexual. In some Middle Eastern countries, the "A-OK" is the symbol for the "evil eye". Offended countries: France, Venezuela, Brazil, Germany, Turkey, Greece, Middle East 4Finger Summoning Want to lure someone with your finger? In Singapore and Japan use your words rather than your curled index finger to summon them. Here the move symbolizes death. In the Philippines however, this motion is reserved to call over dogs, dawg. Don't hound your friends. Offended countries: The Philippines, Singapore, and Japan. 5Don't Eat With Your Left Hand Do you think nowadays it is polite to eat poultry with your hands? Forget it, it's polite to eat poultry with your right hand. In Nepal, India, and Muslim countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Malaysia the left hand is traditionally seen as unclean, because it is associated with cleaning yourself after using the bathroom. In fact, just try to leave your left hand out of it as much as possible. Just don't hand or take things with the left hand in those Countries . . . Offended countries: Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Malaysia 6Stop Holding your Hand palm-out und fingers-up signals someone to "Stop". But not in Greece, here this gesture is an insult to people. Back to the Byzantine era shackled criminals were paraded through the streets and gawkers were allowed to heckle them with excrement and charcoal using open palms. So this gesture won't stop anyone at all ... Offended countries: Greece 7Fingers Crossed Crossing your index and middle fingers does NOT mean that you’re wishing for good luck in vietnam. There, crossed fingers symbolize a special part of the female anatomy. When flashed at another person it can be considered very rude. Offended countries: Vietnam. 8Devil Horns Holding your hand in a fist with index and pinky fingers extended is considered as Devil Horns. At University of Texas it represents the football culture, “Hook ‘em Horns!” and Heavy-Metal-Fans use it at concerts to “Rock ’n’ roll”. Avoid using devil horns in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and Colombia. In these countries the hand gesture will indicate that someone’s wife has cheated. Offended countries: Spain, Portugal, Italy, Brazil, and Colombia 9Arm Wave If you travel to South Korea and try call a cab don't wave your Hand with your palm facing up. The only ones to come over are some pets, because Koreans use this gesture to summon their dogs. The proper way to wave someone over in South Korea is to move your hand up and down vertically with your palm facing down. Offended country: South Korea 10Holding Your Closed Fist Up While pointing you fist in the air all over the world it is understood as solidarity. However, in Pakistan a closed fist is the equivalent to the middle finger. That's why you should be more careful with this gesture. Offended country: Pakistan Fazit: If you're traveling and accidentally insulting the locals, do not worry too much. No one expects you to know everything about any culture, and people will smile at your mistakes rather than be angry. The crucial things are to respect obvious local habits and try to learn the language. And most importantly, see everything with a little humor!