The Thumbs-Up Hand Gesture Around the World - Learn the Meaning of Hand Gestures

Hand gestures mean different things in differentMeans great, good job, OK, congratulations.
countries. What is considered a cool sign may be aIran
grave insult in another country. This article takes aVery obscene gesture.
look at one of the most common signs: theIraq
thumbs-up sign.Very obscene gesture.
The thumbs-up sign consists of a closed fist held withIreland
the thumb extended upward. The most commonOK, good.
interpretation of this sign is as a sing of approvalItaly
(there is even a metaphor in English: The proposalOK, go or alright or used for hitchhiking.
was given a thumbs-up), but there are someJapan
countries where it may be an insult or where it willSometimes means ''good'', not widely practiced by
not be understood.adults.
The origin of the sign is unclear, but one theory isNew Zealand
that the thumbs up sign was used by the crowds toMeans like all good, or yes or anything positive really
signal if a defeated gladiator should be spared,(when hitchhiking this gesture is also used but held
whereas the thumbs down would signal that heright out so people in cars can see).
should be killed.Russia
Let's have a look at different countries and what theWell done, good.
thumbs-up sign means there:Spain
AustraliaAll right.
If it is still or downwards, it usually means OK orSweden
alright (or agreement). Thumbs-up with a little upwardOK, great.
motion can be a grave insult, depending on context.Thailand
CanadaVery obscene gesture.
The sign means alright or good. You can use it toTurkey
signify approval.Not used.
ChinaUnited Kingdom
OK, good.OK, good.
EgyptUSA
Perfect, goodThumbs up. Means ''great'' or ''awesome'' or whatever.
FranceAlso used to sign approval, but stronger than an OK
OK.sign.
GermanyPlease note that meaning of gestures varies among
Ok, well done, great.various parts of countries and also among cultural
Greecegroups and between generations.