Is it true that the American thumbs up / OK gesture is considered rude in some countries ?

Question

If so, which places consider it offensive ?

Answer 1

Iraq

Answer 2

Yes, it is true. Australia, Argentina, and Guatemala consider the thumbs up sign a rude gesture. In Iran and many Middle Eastern countries it is extremely offensive. The OK sign is considered a vulgar gesture in Brazil, Mexico, and Paraguay. In Germany both gestures are considered rude. More interesting facts: the American "peace sign" gesture made with a V shape means "F_ _ _ You" in Scotland and England; in China it is rude to point with your finger, instead they use an open hand or indicate towards something with their chin; in Indonesia, Argentina, and many other parts of the world standing with your hands on your hip is rude and almost aggressive.

Answer 3

In many middle eastern countries, the American "thumbs up" hand gesture indicating success or approval can get you into trouble real fast, where it essentially means the same thing as the "middle finger" does in the U.S.!

THUMBS UP --Also used for hitch-hiking in American. In Nigeria a rude gesture. In Australia, if pumped up and down is an obscene gesture. In Germany and Japan, the signal for "one."

"'Thumbs up' traditionally translates as the foulest of Middle-Eastern gesticular insults — the most straightforward interpretation is 'Up yours, pal!' The sign has a similarly pejorative meaning in parts of West Africa, South America, Russia, Iran, Greece, and Sardinia, according to Roger E. Axtell's book Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World."[3]

Answer 4

I laugh at the thumbs up.
It reminds me too much of Fonze.

ayyy


wow I never realized how upset people get over a limb

Answer 5

It's rude in other countries. I forgot which ones, but I did learn about it long ago.

Answer 6

nicely, i'm a Canadian who has lived in oz..for the perfect 30 years. when I got here right here the thumbs up grow to be regularly recognized as meaning, 'sturdy on ya mate.' or 'She'll be accurate mate.' i imagine it might want to have originated from air floor team and pilots who might want to apply the thumbs as a lot as signal that each and every thing grow to be ok. notwithstanding I have said that that is little used anymore. this may be because of the inflow of alternative cultures which include Muslims who might want to no longer comprehend the signal and take offence from it.