Where can you not give a thumbs-up?

Where can you not give a thumbs-up?

The thumbs-up signals approval in the United States and on Facebook, but in Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece, it means “up yours. ” So next time you’re trying to hitchhike in, say, Tuscany, you should reconsider before sticking out your thumb. Avoid using in: Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece.

Is thumbs-up offensive in South America?

Argentina: Be careful with gestures when visiting South America. In Argentina, the “thumb and forefinger circle” gesture stands for OK – unlike in neighbouring Brazil, where it is vulgar and offensive. The “thumbs up” gesture can be used freely as it also stands for OK.

In what country is the thumbs-up sign perceived to be not friendly?

Iran: Thumbs-up “Unfortunately, in Iran and neighboring countries like Afghanistan, the thumbs-up is equivalent to the middle finger!” explains Dana Hooshmand, an author for Discover Discomfort, a language- and culture learning resource. In America, the middle finger is the profane one; in Iran, it’s the thumb.

Where is thumb up offensive?

1. Thumbs Up. In Iran, Greece, Russia, Sardinia, and parts of West Africa the thumbs up is as rude as the middle finger is in the UK. So no posing in front of the Parthenon making the thumbs up gesture like a nerdy tourist.

Is thumbs up in Brazil offensive?

Throughout Brazil, use the thumbs-up gesture to indicate that something is OK. The gesture created by making a circle with your thumb and index finger and holding your other fingers up in the air has a very rude meaning. See our Brazil Travel Guide.

What is the Chinese rude finger?

A: A thumb placed between the middle and index fingers is an offensive gesture in some parts of China and its meaning is similar to giving the middle finger in Western countries. Pointing at someone with your finger is also rude, as one finger is usually only used to point at animals.

What does thumbs-up mean in Spain?

Thumbs up. Often the most universal signal meaning “good” or “okay”, it isn’t the most polite thing to do outside of the UK.

What does thumbs-up mean in Germany?

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Germans may appear reserved and unfriendly until you get to know them better. Never put your hands in your pockets when talking with someone. “Thumbs up” gesture means “one” or is a sign of appreciation or agreement. This is considered a rude gesture.

What does pinky finger mean in India?

In India, holding up the pinky is a signal that the person has to urinate. Similarly, in Indonesia, when a man points his pinky finger downward it is a signal that he needs to urinate. In Russia, when two people are French-kissing, it is customary to often link pinky fingers together.

What does thumbs up in Greece mean?

Thumbs up. While this is a positive gesture in the US, for some Greeks, it’s quite offensive. Giving the thumbs up to somebody in Greece is equivalent to giving the middle finger to an American.

Is the thumbs up rude in the UK?

In Iran, Greece, Russia, Sardinia, and parts of West Africa the thumbs up is as rude as the middle finger is in the UK.

What does thumbs up mean in different countries?

But to the surprise of the Russian audience the group angrily stood up and left feeling insulted.It was later explained that in some parts of Pakistan ‘Thumbs up’ mean the same as showing the ‘Middle finger’. The other sign with the forefinger and thumb into a circle mostly means ‘Great’ or ‘Fantastic’or ‘Prima’.

Is the thumbs up a sign of approval?

The thumbs-up gesture is a sign of approval in most countries. However, in several countries in West Africa and the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the gesture has the connotation of “up yours!” It’s used the same way the middle finger is in the US.

Is it OK to give thumbs up in Greece?

But wherever it derives, the positive “thumbs up” in Western cultures is a big no-no in other countries, such as Greece, Italy, and some throughout the Middle East. It’s essentially the equivalent of the middle finger, which is why you should keep your thumbs safely tucked away if you aren’t sure about the custom. A Nod is Not Always a Yes