19 Simple Gestures That Might Be Highly Misunderstood Abroad

Watch yourself!

No playing "Heads Up 7-Up" in Thailand, Iran, Afghanistan, and Greece.

No playing "Heads Up 7-Up" in Thailand, Iran, Afghanistan, and Greece.

Although a positive hand gesture for Americans, the thumbs up sign can be considered offensive in countries such as Thailand, Iran, Afghanistan, etc. In Thailand, it's considered to be a childish gesture, very similar to sticking out your tongue. In Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of Greece, it is understood as more of an obscene gesture, similar to saying "fuck you."

Flickr: vincentsl

Careful how you throw out your peace sign in the U.K. and Australia.

Careful how you throw out your peace sign in the U.K. and Australia.

When you make a peace sign with the palm facing inward, it can be taken as "up yours" in parts of the U.K., Australia, and other Commonwealth countries. When in doubt, palm-outward peace signs seem to be suitable wherever you are in the world.

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Can't "talk to the hand" in Greece.

Can't "talk to the hand" in Greece.

Known as the "moutza" in Greece, putting your palm out (much like we would do to signal "stop") is an extremely insulting gesture. It's believed to have its roots traced back to the Byzantine Empire, where prisoners were subject to having excrement and dirt smeared across their faces.

Flickr: bradclampitt

You could get into bubble trouble in Singapore.

You could get into bubble trouble in Singapore.

Chewing gum in Singapore is extremely frowned upon. One too many people started discarding their gum inappropriately (i.e. in subway cars and on the streets) and their impeccably clean country just wasn't having it. Chew with caution, or you might find yourself having to pay off a fat fine.

Flickr: growingupisoptional


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