The thumbs up gesture with hands around the world: learn the meaning of hand gestures

Hand gestures mean different things in different countries. What is considered a good sign may be a serious insult in another country. This article looks at one of the most common signs: the thumbs up.

The thumbs-up sign consists of a clenched fist held with the thumb extended upwards. The most common interpretation of this sign is as a chant of approval (there is even a metaphor in English: The proposal was given a thumbs up), but there are some countries where it can be an insult or where it will not be understood. .

The origin of the signal is unclear, but one theory is that the thumbs-up signal was used by the crowd to signal whether a defeated gladiator should be spared, while the thumbs-down signal should be killed.

Let’s take a look at the different countries and what the thumbs up sign means there:

Australia

If it’s still or down, it usually means OK or fine (or agreement). Giving the thumbs up with a small upward motion can be a serious insult, depending on the context.

Canada

The sign means well or well. You can use it to signify approval.

Porcelain

It’s okay.

Egypt

perfect, fine

France

IT’S OKAY.

Germany

Ok, well done, great.

Greece

It means great, good job, OK, congratulations.

Iran

A very obscene gesture.

Iraq

A very obscene gesture.

Ireland

It’s okay.

Italy

OK go or okay or used for hitchhiking.

Japan

Sometimes it means ”good”, not much practiced by adults.

New Zealand

It means like everything is fine, or yes or something really positive (when hitchhiking, this gesture is also used, but it is held outwards so people in cars can see it).

Russia

Well done, good.

Spain

It’s okay.

Sweden

Ok great.

thailand

A very obscene gesture.

Turkey

Not used.

United Kingdom

It’s okay.

USA

Thumbs up. It means “cool” or “awesome” or whatever. Also used to sign approval, but stronger than an OK sign.

Note that the meaning of gestures varies between different parts of countries and also between cultural groups and between generations.