List of bodily actions used as nonverbal communication

People often use gestures during heated or tense arguments , such as at this political demonstration (2007).

Gestures are a form of nonverbal communication in which visible bodily actions are used to communicate important messages, either in place of speech or together and in parallel with spoken words.[1] Gestures include movement of the hands, face, or other parts of the body. Physical non-verbal communication such as purely expressive displays, proxemics, or displays of joint attention differ from gestures, which communicate specific messages.[1] Gestures are culture-specific and may convey very different meanings in different social or cultural settings.[2] Gesture is distinct from sign language. Although some gestures, such as the ubiquitous act of pointing, differ little from one place to another, most gestures do not have invariable or universal meanings, but connote specific meanings in particular cultures. A single emblematic gesture may have very different significance in different cultural contexts, ranging from complimentary to highly offensive.[3]

This list includes links to pages that discuss particular gestures, as well as short descriptions of some gestures that do not have their own page. Not included are the specialized gestures, calls, and signals used by referees and umpires in various organized sports. Policemen also make gestures when directing traffic. Miming is an art form in which the performer uses gestures to convey a story; charades is a game of gestures.

Single handed [ edit ]

Okay sign

Peace sign

A-ok or Okay, made by connecting the thumb and forefinger in a circle and holding the other fingers straight, usually signal the word okay . It is considered obscene in Brazil and Turkey, being similar to the Western extended middle finger with the back of the hand towards the recipient; similarly, the hand shape in American Sign Language when made with the other three fingers slightly separated with particular movement and palm orientation can turn into an obscene sign. It is also an insult in parts of Europe, to imply the rudeness or arrogance of the recipient, often used when driving (though thumb and index finger separated to infer "small male member"). In Japanese culture a way of requesting money or payment uses a similar hand sign, with the palm facing upwards and the three extended fingers level.

. It is considered obscene in Brazil and Turkey, being similar to the Western extended middle finger with the back of the hand towards the recipient; similarly, the hand shape in American Sign Language when made with the other three fingers slightly separated with particular movement and palm orientation can turn into an obscene sign. It is also an insult in parts of Europe, to imply the rudeness or arrogance of the recipient, often used when driving (though thumb and index finger separated to infer "small male member"). In Japanese culture a way of requesting money or payment uses a similar hand sign, with the palm facing upwards and the three extended fingers level. Abhayamudra is a Hindu mudra or gesture of reassurance and safety.

Apology hand gesture is a Hindu custom to apologize in the form of a hand gesture with the right hand when a person's foot accidentally touches a book or any written material (which are considered as a manifestation of the goddess of knowledge Saraswati), money (which is considered as a manifestation of the goddess of wealth Lakshmi) or another person's leg. The offending person first touches the object with the fingertips and then the forehead and/or chest. [4]

Beckoning sign. In North America or Northern Europe a beckoning sign is made with the index finger sticking out of the clenched fist, palm facing the gesturer. The finger moves repeatedly towards the gesturer (in a hook) as to draw something nearer. It has the general meaning of "come here". It can also be done with the palm upwards so the finger points directly at the target. [5] In Northern Africa (i.e the Maghreb), calling someone is done using the full hand.[6] In several Asian and European countries, a beckoning sign is made with a scratching motion with all four fingers and with the palm down.[7] In Japan and other countries in the far-east cultural area, the palm faces the recipient with the hand at head's height. If reversed, it's considered rude.[8]

cuckold's horns as an insult by sneaking up behind them with two fingers (c. 1815 French satire). Before "bunny ears", people were givenas an insult by sneaking up behind them with two fingers (c. 1815 French satire).

To signal for the bill in Japan, although not widely used by younger people, both hands are raised, with the two index fingers forming an "X". This is to signal the 'end' of a meal which is called "Shime ( 〆(しめ) )" in Japanese. The crossed fingers represent this sign resembling an "X".[13]

Chinese number gestures are a method of using one hand to signify the natural numbers one through ten.

Clenched fist is used as a gesture of defiance or solidarity. Facing the signer, it threatens physical violence (i.e., "a thumping").

Clinton thumb. The gesture dubbed the "Clinton thumb" after one of its most famous users, Bill Clinton, is used by politicians to provide emphasis in speeches. This gesture has the thumb leaning against the thumb-side portion of the index finger, which is part of a closed fist, or slightly projecting from the fist. An emphatic, it does not exhibit the anger of the clenched fist or pointing finger, and so is thought to be less threatening. [14] This gesture was likely adopted by Clinton from John F. Kennedy, who can be seen using it in many speeches and images from his political career. [14]

This gesture was likely adopted by Clinton from John F. Kennedy, who can be seen using it in many speeches and images from his political career. Crossed fingers are used superstitiously to wish for good luck or to nullify a promise.

Cuckoo sign, touched or screw loose. In North America, making a circling motion of the index finger at the ear or temple signifies that the person "has a screw loose", i.e. is speaking nonsense or is crazy. [7] [12]

Cuckold's horns are traditionally placed behind an unwitting man (the cuckold) to insult him and represent that his wife is unfaithful. It is made with the index and middle fingers spread by a person standing behind the one being insulted. In modern culture as bunny ears "the actual symbolism has been forgotten and only the offence remains." [15]

"the actual symbolism has been forgotten and only the offence remains." Dap greeting is a fist-to-fist handshake popularized in Western cultures since the 1970s, related to the fist bump.

Eyelid pull, where one forefinger is used to pull the lower eyelid further down, and signifies alertness.

The "fig sign" is an ancient gesture with many uses.

The ILY sign, "I Love You"

a man pointing at a photo

"Call me" or "I'll call you" gesture

Waving

Wave is a gesture in which the hand is raised and moved left and right, as a greeting or sign of departure.

Wave is a gesture in which the hand is raised and moved left and right, as a greeting or sign of departure. Zogist salute is a military salute instituted by Zog I of Albania.

Zot sign is a hand gesture used by students and alumni from UC Irvine as a form of school spirit. It is done by putting the index and pinky finger up with the ring and index finger lying flat in front of the palm with the thumb underneath. This is supposed to represent the face of an Anteater the mascot of UC Irvine.

Two handed [ edit ]

Air quotes are made by raising both hands to eye level and flexing the index and middle fingers of both hands while speaking. Their meaning is similar to that of scare quotes in writing.

Añjali Mudrā (namaste) is a sign of respect in India and among yoga practitioners. It is made by pressing the palms together. This is of Indian origin.

Applause is an expression of approval made by clapping the hands together to create repetitive staccato noise. Applause is most appropriate within a group setting, to collectively show approval by the volume, duration, and clamor of the noise.

Awkward turtle is a two handed gesture used to mark a moment as awkward. One hand is placed flat atop the other with both palms facing down, fingers extended outward from the hand and thumbs stuck out to the sides. The thumbs are rotated to symbolize flippers. [33]

Batsu. In Japanese culture, the batsu (literally: ×-mark) is a gesture made by crossing one's arms in the shape of an "X" in front of them in order to indicate that something is "wrong" or "no good". [34]

(literally: ×-mark) is a gesture made by crossing one's arms in the shape of an "X" in front of them in order to indicate that something is "wrong" or "no good". Bras d'honneur is an obscene gesture made by flexing one elbow while gripping the inside of the bent arm with the opposite hand.

Bras d'honneur is an obscene gesture made by flexing one elbow while gripping the inside of the bent arm with the opposite hand. The Kohanic or Priestly Blessing - a gesture of benediction in Judaism, used (especially by those of Kohanic or priestly descent) when reciting the Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6: 22-26). Both hands are held up, palms toward the congregation, with the fingers grouped in twos - the little and ring fingers together, the index and second fingers together, and the tips of the two thumbs touching.

The golf clap, unlike applause, is a timid and practically silent clapping of the palms together, to silently approve of something. It may be performed when loud applause is inappropriate; however, it may instead be done in mockery or to display faux approval.

Hand-rubbing, rubbing both hands palms together along the fingers' direction may mean that one is expecting or anticipating something or that one feels cold.

Hands up is a gesture expressing military surrender by lifting both hands. This may have originated with the concept of exposing one's hands to show one is unarmed and not a threat, and the utility of this gesture is still employed in captures and arrests.[35]

Hand heart

Hand heart is a recent pop culture symbol meaning love. The hands form the shape of a heart.

Jazz hands

Jazz hands are used in dance or other performances by displaying the palms of both hands with fingers splayed.

The Kung fu salute or baoquan li 武术抱拳礼 is a formal demonstration of respect between kung fu practitioners in which the right hand (formed into a fist) is covered by the open left palm.

Mani Giunte is an Italian gesture used when expressing exasperation or disbelief by putting both palms together in prayer and moving them down and back up towards your chest repeatedly. Also known as the "Mother of God". [25]

Mano a borsa is an Italian gesture, used when something is unclear. It is created by extending all the digits on the hand bringing them together with palms facing up and moving the hand up and down by the action of the wrist and/or elbow. It implies a question, such as "what do you want?", "what are you saying?" or "what is your point?", and it generally requires a response. This gesture can be done with either hand or both hands. [25]

is an Italian gesture, used when something is unclear. It is created by extending all the digits on the hand bringing them together with palms facing up and moving the hand up and down by the action of the wrist and/or elbow. It implies a question, such as "what do you want?", "what are you saying?" or "what is your point?", and it generally requires a response. This gesture can be done with either hand or both hands. Maru, (literally "circle") in Japanese culture is a gesture made by holding both arms curved over the head with the hands joined, thus forming a circular shape, to express that something is "correct" or "good". This is the counterpart of "batsu", above, though its daily use is not quite as widespread.[34]

Merkel-Raute The

Eyes and eyebrows [ edit ]

Akanbe, performed by pulling a lower eyelid down to expose the red underneath, often while also sticking out one's tongue, and is a childish insult in Japanese culture. A similar gesture (accompanied by the phrase "Mon oeil", "My eye") signifies disbelief in France.

Butterfly kissing, getting an eye close to another person's eye and flutter the eyelids rapidly; used to express love.

Cut-eye, gesture of condemnation in Jamaica and some of North America. [43]

Eyebrow raising. In Marshall Islands culture, briefly raising the eyebrows is used to acknowledge the presence of another person or to signal assent. [44] It is also commonly used in the Philippines to signal affirmation much like nodding is used in western cultures. An eyebrow flash is used for various meanings in other settings as well.

It is also commonly used in the Philippines to signal affirmation much like nodding is used in western cultures. An eyebrow flash is used for various meanings in other settings as well. Eye-rolling, performed by rotating the eyes upward and back down; can indicate incredulity, contempt, boredom, frustration, or exasperation; can be performed unconsciously or consciously; occurs in many countries of the world, and is especially common among adolescents.[12] It has been added to the Unicode emoji as "U+1F644 🙄 face with rolling eyes".[45]

Mouth [ edit ]

Air kiss, conveys meanings similar to kissing, but is performed without making bodily contact.

Blowing a raspberry or Bronx cheer, signifies derision by sticking out the tongue and blowing (linguolabial trill) to create a sound similar to flatulence.

Cheek kissing, pressing one's lips to another person's cheek, may show friendship or greeting.

Duck face, a popular gesture among teenagers which involves puckering lips. The gesture is often used as a "funny face" when taking pictures.

Fish lips: sucking the lips in a manner that makes the mouth look like one of a fish.

Shush, the index finger of one hand is extended and placed vertically in front of the lips, with the remaining fingers curled toward the palm with the thumb forming a fist; used to demand or request silence from those to whom it is directed. [46] Can be silent or accompanied by an audible "Sssh!" sound which alone has the same meaning.

Can be silent or accompanied by an audible "Sssh!" sound which alone has the same meaning. Sucking-teeth, a gesture used in West Indies, depending on accent also known as a "steups" [47] or "stiups" signalling disagreement, an idiom of calling something "foolish"/"idiotic" ("stupe") [48] , or an annoyance. [43]

Sucking-teeth, a gesture used in West Indies, depending on accent also known as a "steups" or "stiups" signalling disagreement, an idiom of calling something "foolish"/"idiotic" ("stupe") , or an annoyance. Exaggerated yawning, generally with one hand held to the mouth, is used to express boredom.

Made with other body parts [ edit ]

Anasyrma, performed by lifting the skirt or kilt; used in some religious rituals.

Bowing, lowering the torso or head; a show of respect in many cultures.

Curtsey, a greeting typically made by women, performed by bending the knees while bowing the head.

Davai vyp’yem (Russian drinking sign), the index finger is flicked against the side of the neck, just below the jaw. [49]

Elbow bump, a greeting similar to the handshake or fist bump made by touching elbows. This gesture began to grow in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eskimo kissing, a gesture in Western cultures loosely based on an Inuit greeting, performed by two people touching noses.

Facepalm

The "cut-throat" or throat slash sign

Throat slash, made by moving one's index finger, thumb or entire hand, held straight and with palm down, horizontally across one's throat; the gesture imitates cutting a person's throat with a blade, indicating strong disapproval, extreme anger, or displeasure with others or with oneself; [12] alternatively, it can be a silent signal to stop something, i.e. to "cut" broadcasting.

alternatively, it can be a silent signal to stop something, i.e. to "cut" broadcasting. Thumbing the nose (also known as Anne's Fan or Queen Anne's Fan [55] and sometimes referred to as cocking a snook ), [56] a sign of derision in Britain made by putting the thumb on the nose, holding the palm open and perpendicular to the face, and wiggling the remaining fingers, [5] often combined with sticking out the tongue.

or and sometimes referred to as ), a sign of derision in Britain made by putting the thumb on the nose, holding the palm open and perpendicular to the face, and wiggling the remaining fingers, often combined with sticking out the tongue. Touching heads is a gesture to express positive emotions between friends, relatives, lovers etc.

Twisting the cheek. Thumb and forefinger are placed against the cheek, and a screwing motion, as if making a dimple, is made by twisting the wrist; in Italian culture, this can mean that something is delicious; in Germany, the gesture can be used to suggest that someone is crazy [5]

Woe is me, a melodramatic gesture of distress made by lifting the arm and placing the back of the hand on the forehead. [57] [58]

Zemnoy poklon or "great bow", used in some Eastern Orthodox Christian rituals, consists of bowing deeply and lowering one's head to the ground.

See also [ edit ]