What Gestures Are Used in Australia?
Though the people of Australia have many gestures in common with Americans, other gestures may be foreign or even counterintuitive to a first-time visitor of the continent.
1 Thumbs Up
Though many western countries recognize a "thumbs up" gesture as an affirmative sign or sign of approval, in Australia it is considered a rude gesture having a meaning similar to that of a raised middle finger. Similarly, a "peace sign" given with the palm side of the hand facing the communicator is considered a rude, vulgar gesture in Australia. A "peace sign" given with the palm out means "peace" or "victory," as in North America.
2 Winking
For a man to wink at a woman would generally be considered inappropriate in Australia. Though many in the United States think of it as a harmless and playful gesture, in Australia it is often considered too suggestive.
3 Placing a Glass Squarely on the Bar
In many western countries it is common for men to finish an alcoholic drink and then place their glasses upside down on the bar or table, demonstrating that they've left nothing in the glass. In Australia, however, this gesture is a way of saying that a person may want to fight.
Related Articles
