Does Your Body Speak The Local Lingo?

Depending on where you live, the meaning behind the “V” hand sign – raising your index and middle fingers while closing the remaining three – rests on the direction your palm faces. In the United States and Canada, the “two-fingered salute” with the palm facing outward means peace. It also indicates the quantity of two.

With the palm facing toward you, this gesture signifies contempt or disrespect in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, South Africa and other countries. Ordering two beverages this way at a noisy pub in England could get you in trouble with the bartender faster than you can say, “Cheerio!’