An offensive gesture now in some countries is to stick up the middle finger. Were there any offensive gestures in older times?

MaggieG 5

Biting your thumb at people was considered offensive. "Do you bite your thumb at me, sir?" is from Romeo and Juliet, and the gesture precipitated another brawl between the Montagues and Capulets. Oct 10 04, 2:17 PM

gmackematix

Is nobody going to mention the famous story of the V-sign and the Battle of Agincourt (1415)? Oct 10 04, 6:22 PM

Legolaschic

I would guess the "thumbs down" sign probably wasn't considered a complement during the times of the Roman Empire... Oct 10 04, 7:42 PM

peasypod

...try brushing your fingers under your chin in an outwards motion towards an enemy in southern Italy today and see how long you live.... Oct 10 04, 7:48 PM

gmackematix

In the UK, a TV ad for a bank that has been repeated ad nauseam tells us that the standard "OK" hand gesture is very insulting in Brazil. I don't know how far back that goes. Oct 10 04, 8:17 PM

Brinjal

Clenching your fist and clamping your other hand to the inner elbow bring said clenched fist in an upward movement is not appreciated in Italy either. Oct 11 04, 1:15 AM