Using Finger Signs? Beware!
by Different nations, different interpretations.
A saying says, “action speaks louder than words” or can it be “finger signs speaks louder than words”.
Finger signs people are using wherever they go. Some of you might not know, that same finger sign differs in interpretation in different cultures.
Photo by the author
This sign in the Philippines means victory. It is a very famous sign specially during the EDSA Revolution I. V sign was used by the Marcos(former president of the Philippines) loyalist against the L sign of the opposition which I will be discussing also as we go on. Take note that the palm is facing the receiver of the sign.
Another V sign which I often see used by English people when they are annoyed with somebody. It is a swearing sign which means the four letter word. If you go back at the first illustration you’ll see the difference. The palm is facing the sender of the sign. So, you must be very careful when using V sign not to send the wrong one otherwise you will get in trouble.
The next sign is what I found interesting. Tapping the top of the table with your index finger. It is use by Chinese people as a gesture of gratitude or saying ‘thanks’ if somebody pours out tea in their cup, specially used at tea time in a Chinese restaurant.
Photo by the author
On the other hand, this finger sign is hidden use by couples in the Philippines especially the man. But of course, they won’t tap the top of the table rather at the back or to any part of their partner’s body or wherever it is convenient requesting their partner to make love.
The next is the L sign, this sign was used by the Marcos regiment opposition against the V sign during the EDSA Revolution I, meaning ‘laban’ (fight). And generally when we spell love using our fingers we use it for letter L which is completely the opposite meaning of L sign in the Philippines.
Photo owned by the author
I think everybody must be aware of these signs to avoid trouble.
Liked it
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Post Commentlindalulu
On February 7, 2009 at 6:30 am
Nice article and I agree with you.
papaleng
On February 7, 2009 at 6:51 am
god article. Thanks for sharing
Johnny Yuma
On February 7, 2009 at 7:38 am
Hmmm! Interesting–very interesting indeed.
Thanks for posting.
Johnny Yuma
forgrandma
On February 7, 2009 at 8:29 am
Very interesting, indeed!
nobert soloria bermosa
On February 7, 2009 at 8:32 am
nice post MJ,
fch
On February 7, 2009 at 8:33 am
Thanks for sharing, informative1
bernadeth
On February 7, 2009 at 8:48 am
great post!
Glynis Smy
On February 7, 2009 at 9:07 am
Very interesting, thanks for informing us!
nutuba
On February 7, 2009 at 9:08 am
Good post! Thanks for sharing this information. I remember once, as a kid, I was watching Monday Night Football on television, and a fan in the crowd “flipped off” the TV camera (obscene gesture with middle finger). There was a deafening silence in the broadcast booth because they didn’t know what to say. Then Don Meredith, one of the broadcasters, said, “I think he means we’re Number One.”
Juancav
On February 7, 2009 at 9:18 am
It´s curious,L sign,in Chile means that you are inviting to have a drink to someone.
CHAN LEE PENG
On February 7, 2009 at 9:44 am
You’re right! We must use the signs carefully..:-)
The Quail
On February 7, 2009 at 10:14 am
awesome article
Mark Gordon Brown
On February 7, 2009 at 11:40 am
Great information site for people who are traveling or deal with peoples of other nationalities regularly to be aware of.
Virginia Wolfe
On February 7, 2009 at 1:26 pm
neat article.
Jackie Stroud Painter
On February 7, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Nice job!
Joie Schmidt
On February 7, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Very interesting!
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
trishia
On February 7, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Thanks for the information. It’s very inteesting.
trishia
On February 7, 2009 at 6:08 pm
oops!-spelled interesting incorrectly.
gianne
On February 7, 2009 at 8:31 pm
This was great. Informative…important…well written
Ruby Hawk
On February 7, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Good to know if you are going to another country.
Lauren Axelrod
On February 7, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Running
Chambo
On February 8, 2009 at 1:09 am
Very cool piece MJ.
RJ
2tet
On February 8, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Filipinos are fun of it… Finger signs of their own definition… An interesting composition.
Inna Tysoe
On February 9, 2009 at 2:00 am
Good article.
Inna
Anne McNew
On February 10, 2009 at 12:52 am
Good post. I like it.
Christine Ramsay
On February 10, 2009 at 1:22 pm
A very interesting article. It is important to know these to save embarrassment when in a foreign country. Thanks for the information.
Christine
Maria Blazz
On February 13, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Really interesting. It always amazes me how words or gestures vary their meaning depending on the culture.
eddiego65
On February 17, 2009 at 5:14 am
Great article.
xoxo
On February 21, 2009 at 3:39 am
Love this article, Kimpol
kris miyasako
On February 23, 2009 at 10:33 pm
You’re exactly right. Sometimes finger signs are implying satanic directions as what I’ve read before on Bible Prophecy updates and it sounds alarming because even people of high profiles are using these. thanks for your piece kabayan.
clay hurtubise
On February 24, 2009 at 11:24 am
Neat! I’ll have to tap my finger at the Chinese restaurant next time they serve me tea!
Thanks,
Clay
CutestPrincess
On February 25, 2009 at 4:53 am
great post… very informative… thanks for sharing…
Ori Sonata
On February 27, 2009 at 8:57 am
ouch, even body language have their own accent analog.
dark angel snow.
On March 25, 2009 at 10:02 pm
….it’s really nice…………..i thanks………I really learn something!
fishfry aka Elizabeth Figueroa
On June 22, 2009 at 10:56 am
This article is definitely very informative, since my daughter who is 10, uses the V as a peace sign, all the time, instead of hello, OMG.
It great to learn something new everyday.
Great research
Saki
On December 28, 2010 at 8:19 am
What does middle finger and thumbs up means?
CHAN LEE PENG
On February 22, 2011 at 11:10 am
We need to learn different cultures from different nations before using the finger signs.