Sign Languages in the Global Setting Meaning

The “OK” gesture

In America, this gesture means approving
of something. In japan, the “OK” gesture
means money. However, in Brazil, it is
considered as a rude gesture. Because doing
this gesture in Brazil is like making the same
mistakes as Richard Nixon, who visited Brazil
and flashed the “OK” sign but responded with
boos.  In Australia it means “zero”, in New
Zealand the user is basically considered to be
lazy.

The “loser” gesture

This gesture is used as taunt in America.
But in China, it indicates the number 8, which
is considered as the lucky number.
The thumbs up
In Iraq and Iran, this hand gesture is
considered as an insult. It is equivalent to “Up
yours, pal!” But in America it is considered as
good or even used in hitchhiking.

The pinky up
In China, this gesture is the same as giving
a thumbs down. It shows that the singer is not
happy. While in Japan, this gesture is the
symbol of a lover or significant other. It also
indicates “fancy” when drinking tea or a sign
that you are making a promise or also called
as pinky swear in America.

The “You’re dead!” gesture

In Japan, this gesture means “you are
fired.” This is because the word kubi which
means job, sounds the same as kubi that also
means neck or throat. Whereas in America,
this gesture means a slit to the neck which
means “you’re done for.”