Hand gestures mean different things in different countries. What is considered a cool sign may be a grave insult in another country. This article takes a look at one of the most common signs: the thumbs-up sign.
The thumbs-up sign consists of a closed fist held with the thumb extended upward. The most common interpretation of this sign is as a sing of approval (there is even a metaphor in English: The proposal was given a thumbs-up), but there are some countries where it may be an insult or where it will not be understood.
The origin of the sign is unclear, but one theory is that the thumbs up sign was used by the crowds to signal if a defeated gladiator should be spared, whereas the thumbs down would signal that he should be killed.
Let’s have a look at different countries and what the thumbs-up sign means there:
Australia
If it is still or downwards, it usually means OK or alright (or agreement). Thumbs-up with a little upward motion can be a grave insult, depending on context.
Canada
The sign means alright or good. You can use it to signify approval.
China
OK, good.
Egypt
Perfect, good
France
OK.
Germany
Ok, well done, great.
Greece
Means great, good job, OK, congratulations.
Iran
Very obscene gesture.
Iraq
Very obscene gesture.
Ireland
OK, good.
Italy
OK, go or alright or used for hitchhiking.
Japan
Sometimes means ”good”, not widely practiced by adults.
New Zealand
Means like all good, or yes or anything positive really (when hitchhiking this gesture is also used but held right out so people in cars can see).
Russia
Well done, good.
Spain
All right.
Sweden
OK, great.
Thailand
Very obscene gesture.
Turkey
Not used.
United Kingdom
OK, good.
USA
Thumbs up. Means ”great” or ”awesome” or whatever. Also used to sign approval, but stronger than an OK sign.
Please note that meaning of gestures varies among various parts of countries and also among cultural groups and between generations.