Buzz
Why the 4-Finger Gesture is Trending Online
Have you come across social media posts featuring individuals raising four fingers on platforms like TikTok or Instagram? You're not alone in your curiosity! This hand gesture has sparked widespread confusion due to its varied interpretations over time. To clear up the mystery, we’re here to explain its meanings so you can grasp why people use this gesture—and perhaps even join in.
Key Points to Understand
- On TikTok, displaying four fingers signifies exclusive love for one person.
- Historically, this gesture has been used to raise awareness for mental health, particularly by public figures.
- In football, it marks the beginning of the 4th quarter, while Florida-based rappers use it to represent pride in their roots.
Steps to Follow
The Meaning of 4 Fingers on TikTok
Raising 4 fingers signifies deep affection for one individual. Often, people use this gesture to indicate they are committed and not interested in dating others. It could mean they’ve recently entered a relationship or are deeply infatuated with someone special.
- This trend is currently viral on TikTok. If you notice someone posting with 4 fingers raised, it’s likely they’re announcing a new romantic partner!
4 fingers can also imply someone is privately LGBTQ+. Originating as a humorous trend in 2022, some users still associate this gesture with hesitancy to openly express one’s sexuality. However, as the trend has faded, this interpretation is less common today.
The Significance of 4 Fingers in Football
In football, 4 fingers mark the beginning of the 4th quarter. As the 3rd quarter ends, players and fans often raise 4 fingers to signify the start of the game’s most crucial phase. This quarter determines whether their team will secure victory or face defeat.
- Occasionally, teams use this gesture to represent the number of touchdowns required to even the score.
4 Fingers as a Gang Symbol
In Florida, 4 fingers signify hometown pride. Rappers and celebrities often flash this gesture to represent areas like North Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, or Broward County. It’s a way to honor their roots and the communities they come from.
- This gesture is also referred to as “4 Ups” in some circles.
4 Fingers as a Symbol of Solidarity
Celebrities raised 4 fingers to advocate for mental health awareness. Back in 2017, numerous public figures shared photos on Instagram with this gesture as part of BBC’s 1 in 4 campaign, highlighting the prevalence of mental health struggles.
- This movement aimed to destigmatize mental health issues, though it has since lost its momentum.
Protesters used 4 fingers to stand with Egypt. In September 2013, demonstrators in Egypt adopted the 4-finger salute to represent the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque, a site of a tragic clash between Mohamed Morsi’s supporters and the military. The gesture, tied to the Arabic word for “four,” became a symbol of solidarity with Morsi’s cause.
4 Fingers as a Symbol of Danger
4 fingers have been adopted as a silent cry for help in domestic violence situations. In 2021, a discreet hand gesture was introduced to allow individuals to signal distress without verbal communication. By raising 4 fingers, tucking the thumb, and folding the fingers over it, users can indicate they are in peril and require assistance.
- This gesture proved life-saving in 2021 when a 16-year-old kidnapping victim in Kentucky used it to alert a passerby, leading to her rescue and safe return to her family.
How to Use the 4 Fingers Hand Signal
Share a photo or video with 4 fingers raised to express commitment to your partner. If you’ve found someone special and want to announce your relationship to the world, use the 4-finger gesture. Capture a moment with your hand raised, pair it with a heartfelt caption, and let everyone know about your new love.
Respond to posts with 4 fingers to show solidarity. When creators share statements like, “4 fingers up if you’re in love with me,” you can join the trend by replying with your own 4-finger photo or video.
- Influencers and micro-celebrities on TikTok often leverage this trend to boost engagement and connect with their audience.
