We use our hands all the time to point, wave and express our feelings. It has been a source of amusement that what is okay in some cultures can be an offensive gesture in another.
Waving your hand at somebody is seen as a friendly greeting in most parts of the world. It generally means “hello,” and is a polite, informal way to let others know you have seen them.
In some places, however, this gesture could land you in hot water. In Greece and Armenia, a hand held up with the palm open is an insult to the recipient. The gesture of extending their palm out, in most countries, means “Stop”. In Greece, Pakistan and some African countries it means “Go to Hell”.
In some countries beckoning someone with one finger says they are a dog. In some Arab countries and the Caribbean Islands, this is an insulting to another person’s mother, suggesting that she is a whor* who has had five husbands.
This sign can be used to mean “Peace” or “Victory” although the Palm should be rotated around the other way. Here, being demonstrated by the former US President it is actually an offensive gesture in Australia and New Zealand and some parts of the UK. Unfortunately for the President, he actually did this action in Australia. Essentially his gaffe was saying here is my “Middle Finger” or F++k you Australia. Thankfully, Australian Christians were very forgiving.
The ‘ok’ symbol means mean money, change, or coins in Korea and Japan. In Australia, it means nothing or zero. In China, it refers to “three”. In Russia, Brazil, Turkey, Tunisia and the Mediterranean is can be used to say a man is a homosexual.
In other parts of Central Europe, you are saying to someone else, you are nothing or worthless. In some Arab countries, the sign can represent evil eye. Confusingly, in some places, I have seen it used positively (i.e. you are okay) and negatively (i.e. you are worthless). Use with caution when travelling.
