In what country is thumbs up offensive?

There are many cultures where a thumbs-up indicates that something is good or well done. In Italy, Greece, Iran, and Iraq, however, this is an insulting gesture.
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Is a thumbs up offensive in Iran?

Thumbs up

In many areas of the world a thumbs up signal is interpreted as meaning “Okay” or “I agree.” However, in Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria, South America, the Middle East and parts of Italy and Greece it is an obscene insult meaning “sit on it” which is their equivalent to holding a middle finger up.
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What country is the thumb offensive?

Iran: Thumbs-up

“Unfortunately, in Iran and neighboring countries like Afghanistan, the thumbs-up is equivalent to the middle finger!” explains Dana Hooshmand, an author for Discover Discomfort, a language- and culture learning resource. In America, the middle finger is the profane one; in Iran, it's the thumb.
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Is giving the thumbs up offensive?

Some hand gestures that are innocent in the United States are offensive in other countries. The thumbs up, the "OK" sign, and crossing your fingers are all examples of gestures that are vulgar in certain places outside the US.
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Is a thumbs up offensive in Japan?

In Japan, thumbs up mean a sign of agreement. However, it also means 'a lover' in a rude way.
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Top 10 Rudest Gestures Around The World



What does thumbs up mean in Australia?

1 Thumbs Up

Though many western countries recognize a "thumbs up" gesture as an affirmative sign or sign of approval, in Australia it is considered a rude gesture having a meaning similar to that of a raised middle finger.
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What does thumbs up mean in Russia?

That innocent "thumbs up"? In Greece, Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and several other places, it actually means "up yours."
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What does thumbs up mean in Dubai?

1. The Thumbs Up. While you might be thinking thumbs up shows approval, real life is not like Facebook. In parts of the Arab world, the gesture is considered highly offensive, its impact is equivalent to the middle-finger in the West.
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What does thumbs up mean in Germany?

Germans may appear reserved and unfriendly until you get to know them better. Never put your hands in your pockets when talking with someone. "Thumbs up" gesture means "one" or is a sign of appreciation or agreement.
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What does thumbs up mean in New Zealand?

This communication indicates encouragement, approval, and acceptance. NZSL uses a handshape with the thumbs held up to express a similar range of positive meanings.
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What does thumbs up mean in Turkey?

The "thumbs up" gesture is commonly used for hitchhiking. Shaking your head sideways means, "I don't understand."
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What does thumbs up mean in Vietnam?

Thumbs up: This thumb gesture is a sign of agreement. It tells someone to know that they have done well. OK sign: It is also a sign of agreement and shows that everything is very well. The OK sign.
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What does thumbs up mean in Thailand?

1- Thumbs-up

Meaning: Thumbs-up in Thailand means “This is good.” How to do: Make a fist and stick your thumb up. When to do: Use this when you want to tell another party that something is good.
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What does thumbs up mean in Brazil?

Throughout Brazil, use the thumbs-up gesture to indicate that something is OK. The gesture created by making a circle with your thumb and index finger and holding your other fingers up in the air has a very rude meaning.
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What does a thumbs up mean in India?

In India, when you raise pointer and middle finger up, it means peace or victory. It also means being friends after a fight, this is used by children. But in England, Australia and New Zealand never use this gesture to express peace or victory.
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What does thumbs up mean in Pakistan?

The thumbs-up symbol and the symbol for 'Okay' (with the forefinger and the top of the thumb meeting to form a circle, with the other fingers stretched out) can both be considered lewd or rude; however, many Pakistanis have become familiar with their Western meanings.
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What gestures are offensive in Germany?

  • 8 No-Nos to Avoid Doing in Germany. ...
  • The Middle Finger. ...
  • Thumb Between Index and Middle Fingers. ...
  • Forearm Jerk. ...
  • Yellow Roses. ...
  • Hands in Pockets. ...
  • Clicking Your Fingers in a Restaurant. ...
  • Sharp Objects.
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What's rude in Germany?

Showing up late, losing your cool, or raising your voice are all considered rude and thoughtless. If you step out of line, don't be surprised or offended if someone corrects your behavior, as this is very common in the German culture.
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Is the middle finger offensive in Europe?

In some European and Middle Eastern countries, it is customary to point with your middle finger. However, this gesture is very offensive in most Western nations and considered impolite in many other countries, especially when taken out of context.
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What does the thumbs up mean in Greece?

Thumbs up. While this is a positive gesture in the US, for some Greeks, it's quite offensive. Giving the thumbs up to somebody in Greece is equivalent to giving the middle finger to an American.
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What is the meaning of thumbs up in Iraq?

It's true that “thumbs up” traditionally translates as the foulest of Iraqi insults—the most straightforward interpretation is “Up yours, pal!” The sign has a similarly pejorative meaning in parts of West Africa, Russia, Australia, Iran, Greece, and Sardinia, according to Roger E.
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What is offensive Greece?

Gestures: The hand gesture that signals 'Okay' (by putting one's forefinger and thumb together to make a circle) is an obscenity in Greece. It is also severely insulting to hold up your open palm, fingers spread, at someone's face. This is called the 'moútza'.
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What does thumbs-up mean in Philippines?

Another common Filipino hand gesture is the 'thumbs up. ' Thumbs up is pretty much used just the same as most places in the world. A thumbs-up gesture is used to mean 'good,' 'alright,' 'okay,' or to indicate acknowledgment or approval.
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What does thumbs-up mean in Ukraine?

a sign expressing a wish for good luck, success etc. не вішай носа! тримайся! He gave me the thumbs-up. (Translation of thumbs-up from the PASSWORD English–Ukrainian Dictionary © 2022 K Dictionaries Ltd)
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Which hand gesture is inappropriate in India?

In Indian culture, the left hand is considered unclean because it is the hand used when going to the bathroom, for cleaning one's feet and other “dirty” activities. Always eat and interact with people with your right (“clean”) hand.
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