What is the Greek rude finger?

It's the "moutza." The moutza is a Greek hand curse -- the palm extended, fingers spread out, the hand thrusting forward, usually accompanied by the terrible sound of "Na!" -- which means, "Here, take it!"

What is the Greek version of the middle finger?

One of the words for the middle finger in Attic Greek is καταπύγων (a meaning attested by both Photius and Hesychius: Καταπύγων: ὁ μέσος δάκτυλος).

What is the ancient Greek gesture to ward off evil?

apotropaic eye, a painting of an eye or eyes used as a symbol to ward off evil, appearing most commonly on Greek black-figured drinking vessels called kylikes (“eye cups”), from the 6th century bc.

What is the Greek hand called?

Specifically, one gesture drew the attention of foreigners, the outward hand, or as Greeks call it the “moutza.”

What does it mean when you hold up your thumb index and middle finger?

The 'V' sign represents peace …

The 'V' sign, made by holding up the index and middle fingers, initially was used to signal victory by Allied nations during World War II. Anti-war activists later adopted it as a symbol of peace, and today the gesture is known as "the peace sign."

Top 10 Rudest Gestures Around The World

What does the ? mean?

What does ? I Love You Gesture emoji mean? A universal emoji! Or … is it? The love-you gesture or I love you hand sign emoji is the American Sign Language gesture for “I love you,” showing a hand with a raised index finger and pinky (little) finger and an extended thumb. It comes in a range of skin tones.

Why is it called flipping the bird?

Although the etymological progression is unclear, it would appear that some time in the 20th century proffering the middle finger came to be seen as a silent way to give a bird. Perhaps because of the gesture involved, the term became "flipping the bird."

What gestures are offensive in 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.

Is a thumbs up offensive in Greece?

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.

Do Greeks kiss when they meet?

A handshake is the most common greeting in Greece. It is exchanged between men, women and children. Close friends may greet each other with a warm embrace or a kiss on the cheek.

Why is the moutza such a rude gesture in Greece?

Because cinder was wiped on the person's face first by collecting it in the palm and then by extending open the fingers, the gesture itself became insulting, to be known as mountza, after the name of the material applied.

What does flicking your thumb off your teeth mean?

Flicking your thumb from the back of your upper front teeth toward someone is seriously nasty in India and Pakistan and simply means “f*** you.” Very nice. This sign will likely get you ejected from any place of business and not welcomed back. The head-shake.

What does two fingers sideways mean?

What does two fingers held sideways mean? Holding up two fingers, turned sideways indicates “peace" or “goodbye.” This sign is generally called “deuces" or “peace.”

Is it rude to show your palm in Greece?

Rude Gestures & Gestures to Avoid

Yes, this is a unique Greek gesture and is quite rude and offensive. And yes, you can detect it in many aspects of everyday life in Greece. It's done by extending the hand with the palm facing forward and the fingers stretched and apart from each other.

What is considered polite in Greece?

Meeting Etiquette

Greeks are warm and hospitable. When meeting someone for the first time, they shake hands firmly, smile, and maintain direct eye contact. Good friends often embrace; they may also kiss each other on each cheek. Male friends often slap each other's arm at the shoulder.

Where is it rude to show the palm of your hand?

In Greece, Mexico, the Middle East, and Africa, the action of raising your open hand, palm out, with spread fingers in front of someone is a serious sign of displeasure.

What should you not wear in Greece?

An absolute no-no are running shorts or wearing shorts in the evening ! Also avoid wearing socks with shorts. – no open shoes for men in the evening (unless, maybe, in a beach resort). – a big NO-NO are white socks with trousers !

What are the three fingers in Greece?

In fact it resembles three “fingers” that go into the sea: these three “fingers” are Kassandra, Sithonia and Mt. Athos. Chalkidiki is famous for its beautiful white beaches. Halkidiki or Chalkidiki is immediately recognizable on the map of Greece because of its shape that resembles 3 elongated fingers.

Why is the middle finger offensive?

The middle finger gesture was used in ancient times as a symbol of sexual intercourse, in a manner meant to degrade, intimidate and threaten the individual receiving the gesture.

Can you wear shorts in Greece?

You have no problem wearing shorts in Greece, more or less wherever you go, other than churches or monasteries, where it is expected that your knees and shoulders are covered. You are OK with short sleeves, in these places, and sometimes you will see wrap around skirts at the entrance for those wearing shorts.

Why do the British use two fingers?

This origin legend states that English archers believed that those who were captured by the French had their index and middle fingers cut off so that they could no longer operate their longbows, and that the V sign was used by uncaptured and victorious archers in a display of defiance against the French.

What do two fingers mean in England?

Meaning of two fingers in English

in Britain, a sign that is considered rude, made by holding your hand up with your palm facing toward you and your first and second fingers held in a V shape: She drove past and stuck two fingers up at him. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Gestures & gesturing.

How do you respond when someone shows middle finger?

Smile, show them the peace sign and say, “I wish you well”.

What does ? mean from a guy?

The OK gesture or OK sign or ring gesture (symbol/emoji: "?") is performed by connecting the thumb and index into a circle, and holding the other fingers straight or relaxed away from the palm. Commonly used by divers, it signifies "I am OK" or "Are you OK?"

What does mean in texting?

— Represents warding off the “evil eye” ? — Oral sex. ? — Ejaculation. ? — May indicate sexual activity, especially oral sex.