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by yogenpro 1748 days ago
Sorry for being ignorant but sincere question: where / which culture considers the V gesture offensive?

I'm assuming the V gesture you are referring to is the one that consists of holding up both index finger and middle finger, rather than the one with thumb and index finger.
2 comments
polka_haunts_us 1748 days ago
In various countires with relation to the UK Commonwealth, it's equivalent to giving someone the finger. If you do with a bit of an elbow swing it basically translates to "Shove it up your ass"
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nirui 1748 days ago
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V_sign#Origins

> This origin legend states that English archers believed that those who were captured by the French had their index and middle fingers cut off so that they could no longer operate their longbows, and that the V sign was used by uncaptured and victorious archers in a display of defiance against the French.

I guess that's all the keywords needed in order read the original comment fully.

... It must be somewhat awkward to play Rock Paper Scissors among friends. LOL

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PhillyG 1748 days ago
It's only flicking the v's if the fingertips are pointing upwards, fingers are apart, and the back of the hand is pointing at the person you're gesturing to. We also call it the "reverse peace sign" as it's exactly like that but with your hand pointing the opposite way. Pointing your hand parallel to the ground like you would use scissors is nice and clear as scissors.
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undersuit 1748 days ago
IIRC you aren't supposed to hitchhike with a thumbs up in New Zealand, so I'm guessing we're dealing with a Kiwi. :)
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peterburkimsher 1748 days ago
Really? I just moved to NZ a couple of years ago and don't know how to drive, so will be wanting to hitchhike! What is a better gesture?

"I’ve always used the traditional thumb approach (the norm for NZ)."

https://churnewzealand.com/hitchhiking-in-new-zealand/

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darren_ 1748 days ago
NZer, have never heard anything about not using thumbs-up for hitchhiking.

I also can't imagine anyone (at least in NZ), who would be otherwise inclined to give you a ride, somehow getting irate about it either.

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unearth3d 1748 days ago
I'm an NZer, you are definitely wrong. You may be thinking of Turkey.
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undersuit 1747 days ago
I have no idea any more. I can't find straight answers on a lot of these country and hand sign associations.
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