Quartz Guide Maps 10 Hand Gestures That Shift Meaning Across Borders

Quartz has released a guide detailing ten hand gestures that carry different meanings around the world. In North America, Europe, and Australia, a thumbs-up indicates approval, but in Iran, Iraq, and certain West African cultures, it is considered vulgar. In Germany, it signifies "one." The thumb-and-forefinger circle denotes "fine" in English-speaking nations but is offensive in Brazil and Turkey. The V sign with the palm facing outward represents peace; however, with the palm inward, it is an insult in the U.K. and Australia. Curling an index finger is commonplace in the U.S. but seen as disrespectful in the Philippines. Pointing is considered rude in parts of Asia and the Middle East. The Greek moutza is a historical insult. Crossed fingers symbolize luck in English-speaking regions but are crude in Vietnam. The fig sign is vulgar in Turkey, while the horns gesture implies a man is a cuckold in Southern Europe. In Italy, the pinched-fingers motion asks, "what do you want?"