What is the history of the middle finger, and why is the insult considered "flipping you the bird"?

Answer 1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finger_(gesture)

The following, from Eric Partridge's "Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English," may be relevant although it makes no mention of the hand gesture. To give someone the bird is "to dismiss [him], send him about his business . . . late C. 19-20. [From] the theatre . . . In Australia, 'give the bird' is to treat with derision: from before 1916." In obsolete theatrical usage (Partridge gives a date of 1883), "the bird" is defined as "a hissing of an actor," from the sound made by geese.

(extract from the "Phrase Derivations Discussion Forum")

http://phrases.shu.ac.uk/bulletin_board/12/messages/765.html

Answer 2

The origin is the phallic imagery of the raised middle finger (the middle finger being the longest finger on the human hand), similar to the Italian version of the bent elbow insult. Also, there is a variation of the finger where it can be done by performing The Fangul, by sticking out the finger during the throwing motion. There is no doubt this is sexual innuendo.

Answer 3

I even have lived interior the united kingdom for over 60 years, born right here. I even have by no skill heard or seen the expression "Flipping the poultry", yet i understand the gesture from having seen the gesture.