A Guide to Rude Gestures from Around the World (10 photos)

Gestures, and body language in general, are a very effective way to convey a message without words. However, gestures vary, and each country has its own unique style. We suggest you learn a few "bad" gestures used in different countries to avoid inadvertently offending their residents. After all, you don't want to be known as rude and ignorant without even realizing it, do you?







1. Chin Slap

Meaning: "Get lost."

Used in: Belgium, France, Northern Italy, Tunisia.

In France, this gesture is known as la barbe, or "the beard." The idea is that this is a display of masculinity, similar to a stag flapping its antlers or a rooster shaking its comb. The gesture is quite simple—a forward motion of the fingertips under the chin. It is recognized in many countries and has been and remains an effective way to dismiss an annoying interlocutor.

Note: In Italy, this gesture simply means "no."





2. Idiot

Meaning: "Are you an idiot?"

Used in: Brazil.

This gesture indicates the other person's stupidity, and it requires some dramatic skill to perform. Place your fist on your forehead and jut your jaw forward. This gesture is especially effective when combined with a disgruntled grunt. If done correctly, you'll be rewarded with an appreciative laugh, although the laugh will clearly not come from the intended recipient.



3. Moutza

Meaning: "Fuck you!"/ "I'll rub your face with shit!"/ "I'll rape your sister!"

Used in: Greece, Africa, Pakistan.

One of the most complex gestures, as complex and ancient as the tea ceremony in Japan. It's probably the oldest insulting signal still used. It originated in ancient Byzantium, where criminals were chained to a donkey and left for all to see. Passersby would throw feces in the criminals' faces. In Greece, the gesture is often accompanied by shouts like "par'ta" ("here you go") or "órse" ("bite me"). Over the years, this gesture has acquired other meanings, including sexual ones. Five outstretched fingers signify the five sexual acts you intend to perform on the sister of the person to whom you're making this gesture.



4. Five Fathers

Meaning: "You have five fathers" (i.e., your mother is a whore).

Used in: Arab and Caribbean countries.

If you want to get deported from Saudi Arabia, you can simply make the "Five Fathers" sign in public. This is the most provocative gesture in the Arab world. It means that the subject's mother has had so many admirers that paternity cannot be established. To make the sign, stick the index finger of your left hand into the clasped fingers of your right hand. This is a very strong insult and will likely provoke violence.



5. Pepper Grinder

Meaning: "Crazy."

Used in: Southern Italy.

In Southern Italy, this gesture is used to show that the person you're talking to is crazy. The meaning of the name is that the subject's insane brain spins as fast as the blades of a pepper grinder.



6. Corna

Meaning: "Your wife is cheating on you."

Used in: Baltic countries, Brazil, Colombia, Italy, Portugal, Spain.

How do you tell someone your wife is cheating on you? It's not easy, but fortunately, in some countries it's quite simple: just make a gesture called "corna." This is a very ancient gesture (2,500 years old) that signifies horns. But be careful—even though "horns" are used worldwide, their meaning varies from country to country. For example, it could mean your wife is simply a fan of a rock band or an American football team.

Note: In Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Lebanon, the "your wife is cheating on you" gesture is made a little differently: a fan of fingers is held behind the head, imitating a deer with antlers.



7. Write Off

Meaning: "I'm ignoring you."

Used in: Greece.

The literal translation of this gesture is st'arxidia mou, meaning "I write it on my balls." This is, of course, a metaphor for telling someone you're ignoring them. You don't have to have balls to make this gesture, meaning women can do it too.



8. Cutis

Meaning: "To hell with you and your entire family."

Used in: India, Pakistan.

If you're in India or Pakistan and suddenly want to tell not only your friend but their entire family to get lost, just use this gesture. Its origins are unknown, but its effectiveness is immediate and terrifying. Curl your fingers into a fist, then bite your thumb and exclaim "cutta!" ("Fuck you!"). You'll end up being kicked out of the house where you're staying. Your insult mission is complete.



9. Takano

Meaning: "You're greedy."

Used in: Mexico, South America.

In many Latin American countries, the elbow is associated with greed, just as the heart is associated with love. The idea is that a stingy person rarely straightens their arm to pay a bill. If your friend isn't paying their bills, let them know with a gesture. For added emphasis, you can slam your elbow on the table.

Note: In Austria and Germany, the same gesture means "You're an idiot," suggesting that the elbow is where an idiot's brain resides.



10. Fishy Smell

Meaning: "I don't trust you."

Used in: Southern Italy.

In business, it's important to let your partners know you can't be taken advantage of. With this gesture, you'll show them you've figured out they're trying to trick you. Simply grab your nose with your index and middle fingers and move them gently from side to side. This gesture suggests that something stinks and you're trying to get rid of it.