We all use body language on a daily basis to express our emotions or just to give an appraisal comment and translate english to tamil. But not everyone, unfortunately, knows that not every gesture is universal. Sometimes what you consider innocent in one country can offend or anger a person in another country. Therefore, for example, when traveling or talking with foreigners, you need to be confident not only in your words, but also in gestures.

Let’s take a look at a few everyday signs that can get you into serious trouble using the example of the United States. By the way, our sign language is similar to American, so all examples can be reflected on us.

Never show the OK sign in Brazil

The usual circle for us with the thumb and forefinger is a signal that everything is fine, everything is OK. But if you show this gesture in Brazil, you will definitely run into trouble. OK there – something like the middle finger in America. This gesture is offensive in nature, therefore, showing it, the situation will not be OK. It is worth noting that in America in recent years, this gesture has acquired other meanings. For example, the OK was a symbol of white supremacist groups.

Is the V sign a symbol of peace?

Perhaps one of the most popular! You definitely have at least one photo with this gesture. Did you know what it means? So, a brief history of appearance. Raising the index and middle fingers up appeared during the Second World War. It was used to denote the victory of the allied countries. It was later adopted by anti-war activists as a symbol of peace.

But one has only to translate spanish to english and reverse the positive and peaceful V sign, as this will be perceived as an insult in some countries. In Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa, the rolled V is the equivalent of showing someone the middle finger. That’s how quickly, with just one turn, you can turn the world into war. So, be on the lookout!

A gesture known to rock fans is the “sign of the horns” or “devil’s horns”

Fans of Queen or Metalika know this gesture for sure. But for a long time everyone has been using it, so to speak, for other purposes. Sometimes we show the horns to express the thrill, sometimes we show them to children, depicting a goat. But this gesture, performed by extending the index finger and little finger, is not so harmless everywhere. In many countries of Europe and South America, the sign of the “devil’s horns” has a really obscene meaning. In Italy, Greece, Spain, Brazil, this gesture is used to ridicule cuckolds – husbands whose wives are unfaithful to them. Why exactly horns? The answer is obvious – the word “cuckold” in Italian, Spanish and Greek means the same word as “horned”.

Fingers crossed

Many Americans, like us, cross their fingers when they make a wish or hope for good luck. In most countries, this gesture is absolutely normal and familiar, but not in Vietnam. There, locals believe that this gesture resembles female genitals, so showing it is like showing the middle finger.

These are just a few signs from sign language. Remember them so as not to be in an awkward situation!