NationStates Jolt Archive

What's the most significant bodily gesture someone can make? Mostly we've given random signs lots of cultural significance. What's a middle finger really mean when you think about it? Nothing.

So, here's my favorites for anger/frustration: spit in someone's face. Second to the middle finger.

Still, we can do more. Clapping is sort of silly when you think about it, though it's pretty cool. Still, I've heard groups of people do that thing where you click-cluck your tongue and together it sounds like water.

In the single-person-swellnes category, I like the thumb's up sign. The A-OK thing's okay. A salute is pretty impressive.

So, any other bodily gestures that strike you as important? How about really unusual ones typical Americans or Westerners wouldn't know of?

http://www.operationinterstellar.com/pics/Promo20020520/Promo20020520-Thumbnails/12.jpg

gotta be the horns, man.

Where some-one raises their hand to shoulder level, curls their hand into a loose claw, and pulls back on the index and middle fingers in a flicking motion.

http://www.operationinterstellar.com/pics/Promo20020520/Promo20020520-Thumbnails/12.jpg

gotta be the horns, man.

Jesus Christ threw up the horns? (http://www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3?date=2004-08-04)

Back on topic. Spitting in someone's face is pretty profound, in my opinion. A slap can be too, if handled properly. It really depends on the context. If you walk up to someone and just spit on them or slap them, you are just being an ass. But at a moment of high tension to show your utter disgust and contempt of someone, that can carry a lot of weight.

Just my two cents.

Pelvic thrusting.

And to the guy who posted the Penny Arcade link, you rock. Der Hornen :D

In the same way that a slap is an action/gesture?, I find an emotional hug can be very powerful indeed.

And smiles, you can tell a lot about the way a person is feeling from their fixed/forced/genuiene(sp) smiles.

Clicky (http://www.ooze.com/finger/html/history.html)
This explains it all...

I like the horns and the Spock fingers.

Simple, turning ones back on somebody else.

Either that or one’s backside.

Some city codes now consider intentional spitting on someone a assualt by 3rd degree, due to someone complaining about getting sick or something i bet lol

Generally I find the most significant one is where contact is made.
Things like slapping and hugging work better than their counterpart because humans are naturally more tactile than society would have us believe.

A good, firm handshake is significant. It is more of a connection between two people who meet each other. The wimpy, loose ones make it seem like a person doesn't want to catch a virus from you.

A good, firm handshake is significant. It is more of a connection between two people who meet each other. The wimpy, loose ones make it seem like a person doesn't want to catch a virus from you.

Note that's tactile communication as well.

Note that's tactile communication as well.
Are you aware of how many germs that can be spread through tactile communication? That’s why bowing was invented.

Are you aware of how many germs that can be spread through tactile communication? That’s why bowing was invented.
I don't think they knew about germs when bowing was invented.

Does placing my penis in my Div. Officer's coffee cup and putting it back count as a 'bodily gesture'?

Does placing my penis in my Div. Officer's coffee cup and putting it back count as a 'bodily gesture'?

Shut up. :rolleyes:

The old Juan King expression does it for me.....that sounds wrong really

Some city codes now consider intentional spitting on someone a assualt by 3rd degree, due to someone complaining about getting sick or something i bet lol

While it would be VERY UNLIKELY, you COULD contract tuberculosis, AIDS, or any bodily fluid or airborne spray type disease that way -- I mean, why are people angry when someone sneezes without covering up?

Spitting on someone is far more vile than the finger -- probably the one thing that could move me to violence.

I think the "peace sign" is the most significant gesture, because it transcends all language and culture. Everyone understands it anywhere in the world.

I bite my thumb at you, sir!

Shut up. :rolleyes:

:p Calm down. I'm harmless.

I think the "peace sign" is the most significant gesture, because it transcends all language and culture. Everyone understands it anywhere in the world.
You're right, it is the universal signal for two coffees. Some things (like cappucino) transcend all human bounds.

The most positive gestures:

A kiss

A hug

A smile

A handshake

A thumbs up

A peace sign

Nodding to a passerby