As many people know, Italians gesture a lot, and the gestures they make are by no means random, but have very precise meanings.The habit seems to date back to the division of the Italian peninsula into states and different language and dialect been said. Gestures become a common language, a tool for communication between people with different native languages.
In this article, we analyze the 20 most common Italian gestures that people use in everyday interactions. Some are so ingrained that Italians find it impossible to speak without using them!
1) “Pinch finger” gesture
The most common Italian gesture is called the “pinching finger” gesture, or in Italian, Artichoke pose (lit. artichoke gesture) or Hand bag (Lights wallet hand). To make this gesture, bring your fingers and thumb together and shake your hand in front of your face. Used to express disbelief, frustration, and disagreement, it can mean many things, including:
- what do you want? = what do you want?
- what are you saying? = what are you saying?
- what are you doing? = what are you doing?
In short, it’s almost like a question mark at the end of a sentence!
This gesture is so ubiquitous that it even got its own emoji, known as the pinch finger emoji: 🤌 🤌🏾.
2) The attitude of “getting along”
By bringing the index fingers of both hands together and tapping them together, you indicate that two people or things are getting along well.
3) “Money” gesture
As you rub your thumb, index and middle fingers, there is no doubt that the topic of discussion is money (“money”)!
4) “You’re late” gesture
If your friend repeatedly taps their index finger on their watch while having lunch with them, it’s safe to assume you haven’t arrived yet Dining room on time!
5) “horn” gesture
When an Italian raises his index and pinky fingers while making a fist, they are trying to avoid danger or protect themselves from evil. Some might also say “third” (take it!) when performing a gesture.Because it looks a bit like a horned beast, it is often called make corners (“Making the Horn”).
6) The “delicious” gesture
If you see someone press their index finger to their cheek and turn it, you can be sure they enjoyed their meal!
7) “Go away” gesture
When you put your hand perpendicular to the floor and shake it up and down, it means “walking away” or “getting lost.”
8) The “kiss” gesture
If you squeeze your fingers together and kiss your hand, you’re saying something is great.
9) The “to the point” gesture
If you open and close your fingers in the palm of your hand, you are asking for a summary or a straight line.
10) The “ask” gesture
Raise your index finger to indicate that you want to ask a question. This is a gesture we also use in English-speaking countries.
11) “I don’t like” gesture
Put your hand on your chest with your fingers pointing down to show that you really don’t like someone or something.
12) The “perfect” gesture
If you make a ring with your thumb and index finger, and draw an imaginary line in front of your face, you’ve made the “perfect” Italian gesture!
13) “Quiet” gesture
If you want to make someone “quiet,” you can put your index finger on your mouth and say “shh.” This gesture should be easy to remember because English speakers use it too!
14) The “I Forgot” Gesture
When you tap your forehead with your hand, it means you forgot (about) something or forgot to do something.
15) “Call” gesture
This gesture, which involves wiping off imaginary sweat from your forehand, is similar to the English word for “phew.” You can use it when you feel extremely relieved after avoiding a dangerous situation.
16) “Smart” Gestures
If you want to call someone “smart” or “sly” in Italian gestures, you can draw a line on the cheek with your thumb. It’s that simple!
17) “Calm” gesture
Are you talking to someone who is overreacting? Then you can push your hands down on your chest and say “calm down.”
18) “Scary” Gestures
If you open and close your fingers vertically, you’re implying that the other person is afraid of something, while laughing at them for their fear. This isn’t the best gesture, so use it sparingly!
19) “Let’s go” gesture
When you bring your entire hand back or sideways toward your chest, it means “Come on, let’s go.” Italians tend to use it when they get impatient and want to move on.
20) The “all goes well” gesture
Putting one or both of your thumbs up is the equivalent of saying “Going well.” Yes, we use it in English-speaking countries too!
Which of the following Italian gestures are new to you? Let us know in the comments section below!
About Allegra Lucarelli: Allegra is a home language consultant and bilingual influencer.She helps families raise their children to be bilingual and multilingual AllegraLu.com.
