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:''For the Chinese newspaper, see Thumbs Up (newspaper). For the Indian Cola drink, see Thums Up


A '''thumbs up''' or '''thumbs down''' is a common gesture represented by a closed fist held with the thumb extended upward or downward in approval or disapproval respectively. These gestures have become metaphors in English: ''"My boss gave my proposal the thumbs-up"'' means that the boss approved the proposal, regardless of whether the gesture was made — indeed, the gesture itself is unlikely in a formal business setting.
The source of the gesture is obscure, although Carleton S. Coon, having observed Barbary apes in Gibraltar using the gesture, hypothesised in the anthropological classic 'The Story of Man' that it is a mutual celebration of having opposable thumbs. Critics have suggested, however, that the apes may be simply aping man.
Though a favorite of Hollywood 'swords and sandals' epics, where the "thumbs down" symbol means that the loser in a gladiatorial combat should be put to death, recent research suggests the meanings of the symbols have changed over the years. In 1997, Professor Anthony Philip Corbeill of the University of Kansas concluded that the thumbs up actually meant "Kill him," basing his assertion on a study of hundreds of ancient artworks. Thus, the "thumbs up" was an approval of the gladiator's request to kill his vanquished foe rather than a vote to allow the defeated to remain alive. Corbeill wrote that a closed fist with a wraparound thumb was the indication for a gladiator's life to be spared. Desmond Morris' Gestures: Their Origins and Distribution mentioned this long before 1997.

In Latin, the "thumbs up" gesture is called ''pollice recto'', "thumbs down" is ''pollice verso''. It is not certain that the contemporary gestures are identical to the gestures performed in ancient Rome. The current version was popularized by a widely reproduced academic painting by the 19th century artist Jean-Léon Gérôme, whose ''Pollice Verso'' depicts a triumphant gladiator standing over a fallen foe, looking up into the stands for the verdict of the crowd.
Additionally, Desmond Morris' ''Gestures: Their Origins and Distribution'' traces the practice back to a medieval custom used to seal business transactions. Over time, the mere sight of an upraised thumb came to symbolize harmony and kind feelings.
During World War II, pilots on U.S. aircraft carriers adopted the thumbs up to alert the deck crew that they were ready to go and that the wheel blocks could be removed.

Contents

The gesture internationally

The gesture in specific contexts

See also

Notes and references

External links

The gesture internationally

The gesture's popularization in America is generally attributed to the practices of World War II pilots, who used the thumbs up to communicate with ground crews prior to take-off. This may have originated with the China-based Flying Tigers, who were among the first American flyers involved in WWII. The appreciative Chinese would say ”挺好“ ("ting hao"), meaning "very good," and gesture with a thumbs up, which in Chinese means "you're number one." It is often a sign of respect when higher figures of Chinese police is concerned. Any person from China will recognize this numerical gesture, and it can be seen in movies and photos of the era, though this has not been verified in print by AVG pilots. American GIs are reputed to have picked up on the thumb and spread it throughout Europe as they marched toward Berlin." [1] Combat pilots in the US and around the world still use this gesture.
According to Luís da Câmara Cascudo ^[1], Brazilians have adopted the "thumbs up" from watching American pilots based in northern Brazil during World War II.
"'Thumbs up' traditionally translates as the foulest of gesticular insults in some Middle Eastern countries — the most straightforward interpretation is 'Up yours, pal!' The sign has a similarly pejorative meaning in parts of West Africa, South America, Iran, Greece, and Sardinia, according to Roger E. Axtell's book ''Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World''." [2]
In Iraq, it means perfect or super dandy. It's widely common between people. Younger generations tend to use it more but older people use it too.
In Russia the meaning of this expression is "awesome", or "good", "well done".
In the UK, specifically north-west England, a single handed thumbs up sign can be used as a farewell or greetings gesture between young males. In situations where acquaintances may see each other briefly and unexpectedly, but are unable to communicate otherwise (e.g. whilst driving past one another, or through a glass window) the thumbs up signifies a gesture of recognition. It is also often used as a replacement for a more traditional "wave" goodbye when parting from one another. A less common variation is the use of a brief two handed thumbs up gesture made close to the body.
In India, although the gesture is well accepted, similar gestures have negative connotations:

★ While doing a thumbs up, if the hand is wagged from side to side in a reverse-pendulum like movement, it means "won't work" or "disagree".

★ Another rude gesture among kids (now less popular), is to show the thumb to a person and say "thengaa," sometimes followed making a face, drawing the tongue out and touching the chin with it. It indicates cocking a snook at someone.

★ Showing your thumb to someone and calling him/her "anghutaachaap"(finger-print) implies that you are insulting him/her as an illiterate person.
In Egypt, it means perfect or very good. It's widely common between people.
Arthur Fonzarelli, also known as "Fonzie" or "The Fonz," from the TV show Happy Days, often coupled his trademark phrase "Hey!!" with the thumbs up.
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan of WWE fame is well known for his goofy grin, a 2x4 and big thumbs up.
Umaga of WWE is well known for his thumbs up gesture, which signifies he is about to perform his signature move, the "Samoan Spike" where he jams his thumb into his opponents neck.

The gesture in specific contexts

More recently, these gestures are associated with movie reviews, having been popularized by critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert on their televised review show "Siskel & Ebert" — the thumb up meaning a positive opinion of a film; the thumb down meaning a negative one. The phrase "two thumbs up", originally meaning a positive review from both reviewers, has come to be used as an indication of very high quality or unanimity of praise.
Hitchhikers traditionally use a thumbs up gesture to solicit rides from oncoming vehicles, although in this presentation the arm is generally outstretched with the palm and closed fingers facing the motorist. The gesture is also usually performed with the hand nearest the motorist.
Supporters of Texas A&M University athletic teams use the thumbs-up sign, associated with the yell, "Gig 'em, Aggies."
In scuba diving, the thumbs-up gesture is a specific diving signal given underwater, in which the diver indicates he is about to stop his dive and ascend. This occasionally causes confusion in new divers, who might automatically gesture thumbs-up when trying to indicate approval — actually indicating a desire to stop diving and to ascend.
In basketball, when a held ball occurs, an official will jerk both thumbs in the air, signalling that a jump ball is in order.

See also

★ Gesture

★ Finger (gesture)

Notes and references

1.

External links

★ http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/games/a/thumbsup.htm

★ http://www.slate.com/id/2080812

★ James Grout: ''The Gladiator and the Thumb'', part of the Encyclopædia Romana