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Gestures form an essential and irreplaceable aspect of human communication, whether used to conclude serious discussions with a “talk to the hand” signal or to inquire about drink prices in a noisy bar. They are not merely a replacement for words; often, gestures convey messages more effectively than verbal language ever could.
However, as seasoned travelers know, gestures are far from universal. What may seem familiar in one culture can carry entirely different—and sometimes perplexing—meanings in another. Here are some of the most bewildering gestures that might surprise you or hold entirely opposite interpretations in different parts of the world.
10. Shaking Hands Over a Doorway
While shaking hands is a common greeting in much of the Western world, it’s not universally practiced. Different cultures have their own unique greetings, such as the folded-hands namaste in India or the traditional bow in Japan.
Even in those countries, handshakes are not viewed as rude or unlucky. They simply believe their traditional greetings are superior to handshakes, and there’s no harm in that perspective.
In Russia, however, shaking hands over a threshold—such as when entering a home—is thought to bring terrible luck. This stems from the belief that the house’s spirit resides at the threshold. While this belief is harmless, it does make one wonder why the spirit would choose such a confined space to linger.
Regardless, when visiting Russia, always ensure you step fully inside before extending a handshake.
9. Making Toasts
One of the joys of global travel is experiencing the diverse drinking traditions of different cultures, something you can’t fully appreciate at your neighborhood bar. Among the first things you’ll notice is how uniquely each place approaches the art of toasting.
While some cultures skip toasting altogether and dive straight into drinking, others embrace the tradition with a hearty “cheers” to foster a sense of togetherness. However, in Hungary, clinking glasses and saying “cheers” evokes dark historical memories, making it a practice best avoided.
During Hungary’s revolt against the Austrian Empire, the rebellion was violently suppressed. To commemorate their victory, Austrian forces toasted before executing Hungarian leaders, a grim act that left a lasting scar on the nation’s collective memory.
This historical trauma persists today. The practice was banned for 150 years, and even after the ban was lifted, Hungarians never embraced it as other cultures did.
8. Head Patting
Patting someone on the head is typically used to acknowledge a child’s minor achievement when a tangible gift isn’t warranted, or in intimate moments where cuddling isn’t preferred. While it carries no negative meaning, it’s generally reserved for these specific contexts.
However, in many parts of Asia, touching someone’s head, especially patting it, is seen as highly disrespectful.
In numerous Asian cultures, the head is regarded as the most sacred part of the body. Touching it without explicit permission is considered inappropriate. This belief is particularly strong in Buddhist-majority nations like China and Thailand, but it’s wise to avoid the gesture altogether when in Asia to avoid any misunderstandings.
7. The Devil’s Horns Gesture
If you’ve attended a rock concert, you’ve likely seen the devil’s horns gesture. Formed by raising the index and little fingers while tucking the middle fingers under the thumb, this symbol is widely recognized as a sign of approval for something “metal.”
Popularized by Ronnie James Dio, the former Black Sabbath vocalist, this gesture usually conveys a positive sentiment. However, in Italy, it carries a very different meaning.
In Italy, the devil’s horns gesture carries a completely different meaning and can provoke anything from a heated argument to an outright bar fight, depending on who you direct it at and their level of intoxication. There, it symbolizes that a man’s wife is unfaithful, serving more as an insult to him than to her.
6. Shaking and Nodding
For the adventurous traveler exploring regions with unfamiliar languages and cultures, the experience can be challenging. Beyond overpaying for everyday items, getting around can also be tricky, as you’re often unsure of where to go next.
Despite language barriers, one universal form of communication is nodding for “yes” and shaking your head for “no.” This gesture is understood worldwide, uniting people across cultures. However, in the Balkans, it means the exact opposite.
In places like Albania and Bulgaria, shaking your head signifies “yes,” while nodding indicates “no.”
5. The OK Gesture
The OK sign—created by forming a circle with your index finger and thumb while extending the other three fingers—is widely recognized across the globe. While its interpretation may vary slightly, it generally conveys that everything is fine, as the name implies.
It’s also a crucial signal in diving, used to confirm from a distance that all equipment is functioning properly.
However, this gesture doesn’t carry the same meaning in Brazil and many Latin American countries. There, the OK sign is interpreted as a vulgar insult. When Richard Nixon visited Brazil in the 1950s and flashed the sign with both hands, the crowd’s reaction was exactly what you’d imagine.
4. The Thumbs-Up Gesture
Forming a fist with the thumb extended upward is a widely recognized gesture to show approval or that everything is alright. While it may seem like an American custom, travelers will find that it’s instinctively understood in many parts of the world without needing clarification.
However, in Iraq and other Middle Eastern nations, the thumbs-up gesture has a far more offensive meaning. There, it’s interpreted as a crude suggestion, something US soldiers discovered during the Iraq War when locals responded negatively to the gesture.
Historically, in Roman times, the thumbs-up sign was used by generals to order executions. The exact origins of its modern, positive interpretation remain unclear.
3. Cutis
If you’re unfamiliar with the Cutis gesture, simply make a fist, place your thumbnail under your front teeth, and flick it forward. While it might seem like a quirky hand movement or an odd way to entertain a child, in India and Pakistan, this action holds a deeply offensive meaning.
In the Indian subcontinent, this sign serves as a non-verbal way to say “screw you.” It can also be performed with fingers extended instead of clenched into a fist. While it’s primarily recognized in northern regions, it’s best to avoid using it anywhere in the area to prevent misunderstandings.
2. The Three-Finger Salute
Raising a specific number of fingers while enjoying music is generally seen as normal behavior worldwide, especially at concerts. However, outside such settings, the meaning can become ambiguous.
For instance, raising two fingers in the wrong context—such as in front of an intoxicated or angry individual—might be interpreted as mimicking a gunshot, potentially sparking a fight. Similarly, the three-finger salute, often associated with The Hunger Games, is harmless in most places but is strictly prohibited in Thailand.
Likely inspired by the movie or its striking visual appeal, many in Thailand adopted the three-finger salute as a form of protest against military rule. This gesture angered the government to the point of outlawing it entirely.
Unless you’re aiming to make a bold political statement during your first trip to Thailand and risk imprisonment, it’s best to avoid using The Hunger Games salute while in the country.
1. Tilting Your Head Sideways
As previously noted, nodding for “yes” and shaking your head for “no” are universally understood gestures, except in the Balkans. This form of communication is one of the few shared traits among humans, making it a reliable tool for navigating unfamiliar cultures.
In India, you’ll encounter a unique gesture that blends a nod and a shake, often leaving visitors puzzled. This subtle head tilt from side to side can convey a range of meanings, from mild agreement to sarcasm, depending on the context. While it’s not as definitive as a full nod, it generally suggests a more reserved or hesitant approval.
