Expressions & Gestures of the Greeks?

Question

Hi, I would like to learn more on the facial expressions, gestures and hand signs of the Greeks before I embark on my journey (Athens, Santorini, Mykonos & Ios Islands).

I do not want to make a wrong gesture or show a wrong facial expression while holidaying.

Is there anything I should learn before my trip?

Many thanks in advance :)

Answer 1

Being Greek - Italian I can assure you that Greeks are much less expressive through gestures than other mediterranean people.
They act and react like any other Europeans, so nothing in particular....

Answer 2

They are in general as any other Mediterranean. Always in a happy and friendly mood. There is none particular gesture or expression. Politeness and smiles win the Greeks

Answer 3

As in many European countries and almost all Middle Eastern
countries, you should never ever give an American Hi Sign with the palm facing outward. It is considered a very very very ugly
insult.
Instead if you want to wave, face the palm of your hand toward your own self and that should be OK.
I Cr 13;8a

Answer 4

This is an interesting and informative website about Greek body-language and social behavior. Here's an excerpt:

"...Greeks, like many other Europeans and especially Mediterranean people, have an “intimacy zone” of 25cm and sometimes even less, while for the English people this zone is extended to 45cm."

"It seems that for those who travel abroad the safest rule is that 'When you are in Rome, do as the Romans do'…even if that means that you have to control your vivaciousness and friendly attitude so as to adjust your body language to the cultural standards of the country which you are in. You have to remember that people will accept or reject you, according to the respect that you will show towards their valuable 'intimacy Zone'. "

From the 2nd link:
"In Greek culture it is disrespectful when in a church to stand with your hands held behind your back, or to stand or sit with your legs crossed."

From the 3rd link:
A gesture of negation: "In its most basic form, is a lifting of the chin accompanied by raised eyebrows, half-closed eyes and a vocalized "tsk" sound." Read more specific things about it from the link.


Just spend time at an open café people-watching. Watch how they interact with each other. Then imitate them. Greeks are very friendly and welcoming...they'll cut you slack. ; )

Answer 5

Good question!
For example, they pretend to spit on themselves or people as a signal of taking bad luck away. This doesn't mean they'll spit on you though lol

In general terms I agree that they are mostly like any other Mediterranean concerning gestures and expressions.

Best wishes!

Answer 6

Nothing in particular, just if you extend your arm with your palm and fingers wide open towards someone, it's an insult.

Answer 7

They wave their hands about a lot. I dont mean waving as in 'hello' they just move them about alot when they are talking. when they do it toooo much, it means something is annoying them or they think the subject they are talking about is bullshit. haha But it wont matter what you do with your hands, they wont expect you to do anything of the sort, and know you are a tourist, I think they can smell them out or something haha :)
They shrug alot and make a strange expression of the face, almost like pouting with a downturned mouth.... this means, I dont know or I dont care.
Somethimes they will shoot their arms out and make a hand as if to say 'stop' and they will say 'NA" at the same time. This is rude and it means sort of like 'up yours', or 'shutup' or 'stop saying what your saying because I dont want to here it'.
Another one is that they will have their hands stretched out but with one finger bent and shake it a little. This means to "f***" something. Like they might do it after football to say, like haha we beat the crap out of you, but they also might do that with a friend if a really pretty girl walks past... you can guess why.

in general, dont worry about what you do in regards to facial expressions and gestures. You wont do anything accidentally. And they know you are a tourist, so they wont believe you are doing anything on purpose. Just dont say any Greek words that you havent learnt yourself in a book, because people love to teach tourists swear words and say that it is like 'thankyou' or something....especially the men.

good luck

Answer 8

http://www.explorecrete.com/mycrete/customs/greek-gestures.html
http://www.explorecrete.com/mycrete/customs/greek-customs.html
http://www.athensroom.com/greek_language_gesture.html
http://www.in2greece.com/english/factstrivia/facts/do_dont.htm