One of the most popular gestures in the world is considered a terrible insult by Brazilians.
Victory, But Not That One
The index and middle fingers in the shape of a V, raised on a hand with the palm facing the interlocutor, mean "peace," "victory," or simply the number "2" in North America. But in the British Isles, as well as in Australia and New Zealand, this gesture is equivalent to a vulgar middle finger. However, locals try to be understanding of such gestures if they see that they are dealing with a foreigner.
From Penury to Prison
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Millions of travelers from all corners of the planet come to the country every year. However, not all of them know that Thais react extremely painfully to touching the head, which is considered the main part of the human body and requires special treatment.
Such a gesture, quite friendly in Western culture, is perceived as a sign of disrespect in Thailand. But for a foreigner, this threatens at worst personal dislike, unlike another, much more serious crime – stepping on a banknote depicting the Thai king. For such an act, even if done inadvertently or carelessly, one can easily end up in prison.
In Her Majesty's Service
The royal guards stationed at the gates of Buckingham Palace invariably arouse great interest among tourists. The tall, handsome men in red uniforms and bearskin hats are eagerly photographed and filmed. However, it is strictly forbidden to approach them, touch them, or in any way show disrespect. This could result in an unpleasant conversation at the police station.
Accursed Gesture
The thumb and index finger joined together in a ring mean agreement or approval for hundreds of millions of people around the world. But the cute "OK!" gesture, so popular in the West, has a completely different meaning in Brazil. In this South American country, it suggests to the interlocutor to "take a walk" into the anus.
Black and White
In North American bars, a shot of Irish cream and whiskey is often dropped into a pint of Guinness beer. This popular cocktail is called an "Irish Car Bomb," alluding to extremely rapid intoxication. But in Ireland itself, it's not worth ordering, as you could easily get punched in the face.
It's not just the name. The combination of dark and light itself, giving a pale hue, is perceived as a symbol of the Royal Irish Constabulary, which became notorious for its extreme brutality during the Irish War of Independence.
No Truth in Feet
In the West, it is common to sit cross-legged or even put your feet on the table, showing the interlocutor bare soles or the soles of your shoes. However, in Middle Eastern countries, this gesture, familiar to Europeans or Americans, is considered a terrible insult, as it is associated with trampling underfoot or throwing a shoe.
Shoe-Free Zone
In many European countries, walking around the house in outdoor shoes is perfectly acceptable, especially if you are visiting. But this rule does not apply, for example, in Sweden, as well as in Canada, Russia, and many Eastern countries. To avoid embarrassment when visiting someone's home, just look at the entryway. If there are shoes there, then it is a "shoe-free" zone.
Alexander SIDOROV.
«Lenta.ru»