The meaning of the inverted V around the world – Learn the meaning of hand gestures

The inverted v sign is a version of one of the most popular hand gestures: the v sign. It is performed by raising and separating the index and middle fingers, while activating the remaining fingers and keeping the palm of the hand facing the speaker. The palm can face in or out, which can alter the meaning.

A popular theory about the inverted V sign dates back to when England and France were at war. English archers were greatly feared and considered the best archers. When the English archers were captured, the French cut off the index and middle fingers of their hands to render them useless as archers should future battles occur. As a crude form of psychological warfare, the English archers flashed these two fingers at the French before battle to show that they could kick their asses on the battlefield.

Let’s take a look at different countries and what the inverted v sign means in different countries:

Australia – serious insult

Canada – serious insult (rarely used)

Porcelain – Not used.

France – Two.

Germany – Generally means peace (rarely used). In the Freiburg and Black Forest region, the V sign with the palm of the hand facing the speaker is an insult and is considered very vulgar to use.

Greece – Two.

Ireland – serious insult

Italy – Not used.

Japan – Common sign used that is intended to represent an acceptable level of cuteness when posing for photographs.

New Zealand – Another rude sign for the fingers (middle finger). Commonly seen used by drivers out the side window when someone has forgotten to indicate, and accompanied by the horn and some unmentionable words.

Russia – Many people would understand this as ”victory” (because of westerns, etc.), but they don’t use this sign.

Spain – Victory, achievement.

Sweden – Not used.

Turkey – Not used.

United Kingdom – serious insult

USA – Peace. The palm of the hand facing in is more “hip-hop”.

Note that the meaning of gestures varies between different parts of countries and also between cultural groups and between generations.

Happy travels!