It’s a signature move that instantly transports you to a world of Big Red Cars and bright coloured skivvys but the hand gesture associated with The Wiggles was conceived for disturbing reasons.

Original Red Wiggle Murray Cook has revealed the iconic “Wiggles fingers” were conceived in part as a child safety measure.

“The thing about being men in early childhood and when you are a teacher in early childhood you have to be really aware of that you can be accused of things,” Cook told SBS’ The Feed on Monday.

He said the gesture helped protect the entertainers.

“In the photos, for instance, if there are kids there if you have your hands doing this, everyone sees where your hands are.

“It’s a shame that that is an issue, but its an issue, you have to protect yourself as well.”