1 | Shaking hand, is a polite gesture indicating friendship and acceptance. At one time, however, meeting with a stranger aroused suspicion and fear. To prevent each other from suddenly attacking. strangers joined right hands as a pledge of non-aggression, thus demonstrating that neither party was about to use a weapon. Handshaking is now the activity practised by both men and women not only to greet one another, but to seal a contract as well. |
2 | The American "OK" sign, the joining of the thumb and forefinger in a circle, indicates that all is well or perfect. The "OK" sign acquired its modern connotation from the ancient world, wherein the circle itself was one of the oldest and most common symbols for perfection. The verbal expression "OK" is native to the United States and was formed in support of the letter "O" indicating that something was as perfect as a circle. |
3 | When not used in hitchhiking, the thumbs-up gesture in American culture typically indicates "I like that", while the thumbs-down gesture indicates your negative feelings towards something. The gesture has been linked to the time of the Roman arena, where the emperor supposedly ordered life or death for a gladiator by turning thumbs up or thumbs down. |
4 | Crossing one’s fingers serves as protection from bad luck or from the penalties associated with lying. Thus, when people wish for good luck, they cross their fingers, and when they wish not to be held accountable for a lie, they cross their fingers and hide their arms behind their backs to not let on that they are lying. |
5 | By sticking out their tongues, people react to situations that may be unpleasant for them. Such displays indicate laughing or rejection. For example, children often stick out their tongues to tease each other. Or, they may also stick out their tongues in reaction to activities requiring close concentration: hence, the tongue-showing of children focused on their homework |
| В | Show that everything is fine |
Г | Indicate approval or disapproval |
Д | Making fun or just being focused |
Е | Indicating a feeling of helplessness |
Ж | Guard against negative consequences |
З | Demonstrate your peaceful intentions |
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