Not sure if this is UK specific, but if someone has been praised or done something particularly good they will sometimes raise their hand to their mouth, blow on their nails and then rub them on the lapel area. No one seems to know why though ! Anyone know . . .
2006-09-21 21:55:58 · 2 answers · asked by homemade_chilli 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
It's usually a male thing. There was a time when only aristocrats could afford the luxury of a manicure, the common working man usually had dirt under his fingernails.
The gesture implies that he is proud of his accomplishment(s) and is worthy of being seen as a higher level in society. It is used these days just to say - yeah, I did well didn't I?
I don't know if it is UK specific, but I think it is.
2006-09-21 22:34:49 · answer #1 · answered by sarah b 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nevr noticed it was specifically the nails before. It seems to me to be a polishing of imaginary medals.
2006-09-22 04:59:39 · answer #2 · answered by palaver 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋