Italian Tour Guide Funny Hand Gestures
(CNN) — We Italians like to say that a gesture is more valuable than a m words.
Surprisingly, we don't actually have a gesture that says that, simply we do for almost everything else.
When it comes to body language, nosotros simply rule.
As we talk, our hands fly in the air making unmistakable signs, our faces twist into funny expressions.
These make up a lexicon all of their own, albeit ane that's frequently rude and, for reasons that aren't entirely clear, slightly obsessed with testicles.
For outsiders, this can exist equally catchy to negotiate as Rome'due south rush hour.
To help, nosotros've compiled a guide to some of the most popular expressions.
As well check out our video compendium.
But be warned: using the wrong gesture to the wrong person tin can take serious repercussions.
'E corn (The horns)
Horns play about as big a role in Italian sign linguistic communication as testicles.
They're made with either or both hands.
The middle and band fingers are clenched while the thumb, index and and little fingers are extended.
Often they're used equally a superstitious gesture -- the devil'south horns are said to bulldoze away curses or bad luck.
Inevitably they're besides an insult.
A single horned hand can be used to indicate someone is a cuckold, or more simply, a bastard.
Information technology'south OK to use this when stuck in traffic.
Everyone else will be.
Ma che stai a dì/ma che vuoi? ("What the hell are you saying?")
When people portray Italian stereotypes, they often apply this gesture.
And they're right.
For this one, the fingertips of either hand are brought together, upright while the hand is waved up and down.
It can exist used to enquire "what the hell are you saying?" or "what the heck do y'all desire?"
Italians frequently use information technology in chat.
Even when they're on the phone or talking to themselves.
It'south often an involuntary gesture -- something we can't help doing, like blinking or producing the world'southward best gelato.
'Ntze (No straight translation, only ways "no")
'Ntze: Looks like a yes. Actually means no.
Courtesy Gaetano Virgallito
Like shooting fish in a barrel to become confused past this topsy-turvy i: information technology looks like a yes, but it's actually a no.
It involves what is essentially a reverse nod -- a single backwards whip of the head, accompanied by a "ntze" audio.
It'southward a popular gesture in Italia's deep south.
It'due south all-time avoided when talking to strangers and by anyone suffering from a strong neck.
Ma va va ("Get lost," "F-off")
The subtlety of this gesture often confuses non-Italians who neglect to grasp its unsubtle pregnant.
It ordinarily involves an outstretched arm that is chopped upwards and downwardly, often accompanied by a sweetly smile face.
Despite the mixed signals, the message is unequivocal: "Go lost."
Really, that's the polite translation.
It's commonly used, so once anyone has mastered the irony of the gesture, they should feel free to to deploy it at volition.
But exist warned, information technology can turn nasty -- commonly signified when the swinging arm looks as if information technology's virtually to turn into a slap.
Ti faccio un coso così ("I'll brand yours this big")
This is where the insults start globe-trotting below the belt.
Here, hands are held out at waist level, several inches apart.
Thumbs are stuck out and index fingers used to indicate either side of the gap between them.
The literal meaning here is: "I'll kicking you so hard your buttocks volition end upwardly this far apart."
It's a adequately aggressive threat, so it's probably best to seek butt-saving solutions -- run if necessary.
It can be deployed jokingly to warn a friend that they're overreacting -- but mothers and potential girlfriends, especially those with burly older brothers, are considered strictly out of bounds.
Me stai qui ("I can't stand y'all")
Italian gesture -- Me stai qui
While this gesture involves a forearm held horizontally against the stomach, information technology'south neither a gesture of hunger or an invitation to luncheon.
Information technology but means: "I can't stand y'all."
Grattata (The scratch)
Don't say you weren't warned: this one involves genitals.
The gesture involves using the left hand to mimic scratching a left testicle.
Italian men do this someday, anywhere -- merely information technology doesn't necessarily mean they're feeling itchy.
In Italia, scratching down there is believed to keep evil spirits away and is done whenever a vaguely sinister consequence transpires.
A hearse drives by: time to scratch.
A blackness cat crosses the path: time to scratch.
Get the tests back from the clinic: time to scratch, and then maybe use some ointment.
In that location's an equivalent for women -- touching the left breast with the right hand.
'Ntaccatu (Sicilian dialect, means something like "smart motility")
Not all Italian hand gestures have negative connotations.
This one resembles the "horns," but the pollex is rested gently confronting the cheek, the alphabetize finger remains clenched and the pinkie points outwards.
If an Italian does this to someone, they're expressing blessing.
Basta/Uffa che palle ("Enough/My balls are getting this big...")
Uffa che palle: Gimme a break.
Courtesy Gaetano Virgallito
Another Italian classic -- and then, inevitably, information technology involves genitals.
Here the hands are held loosely in front of the body and shaken from the wrists.
Optionally, the arms can be crossed.
It means "enough," or "I've had it," or "gimme a break" and symbolizes an imminent testicle explosion.
Italians utilize it dozens of times a day, just to stress a point.
Visitors tin can try information technology when they're exasperated, but shouldn't overdo information technology, otherwise they risk looking impuissant and even more obsessed by testicles than Italians.
L'Ombrello (The Umbrella)
Another familiar gesture to students of Italian sign language, this supposedly mimics the act of hanging an umbrella on a hook.
Ane arm, with a clenched fist, is brought loftier across the chest while the other hand slaps the cheat of the raised elbow.
Information technology works on a sliding scale of offensiveness depending on the circumstance.
At worst information technology's a substitute F-bomb.
At best it's a "squeamish" way to tell people to go to hell if they inquire for huge favors, similar borrowing money, drinks or lengthy explanations of Italian sign linguistic communication.
Over again, it'south non one to deploy on senior relatives, or to people genuinely deserving assistance.
Sesso (Sex)
Knocking the air is a proposition for sex.
Courtesy Gaetano Virgallito
At that place are a couple of gestures for women to be wary of when encountering macho Italian men.
As you'd expect from all the testicle scratching, Italians aren't shy most the facts of life then information technology'south not uncommon for men to come up right out and say it, admitting in sign linguistic communication.
If they hold their fist aloft and appear to knock the air, they're asking for a one-night stand.
If they place their index fingers together, pointing toward you, they're just request yous out.
In either example, whether it's a "yes" or "no," it'south best to be just as up front in response.
Occhio ("Beware")
This is conspicuously a warning gesture, deployed by placing an alphabetize finger below an centre, tilting the head and glowering.
It says: "Beware, I'm watching you every step yous take and I'm not stupid."
There are Mafia overtones and it can be quite alarming when witnessed for the first time.
To be used carefully, peculiarly in Sicily.
Si t'ancagliu ("If I catch you")
For this gesture, teeth are chomped into a manus held horizontally at head height. The bitten hand is then used to make a chopping gesture in the air.
This might look as though it indicates hunger, merely in fact sends a bulletin of impending punishment.
It stands for: "If I catch you you lot're in deep trouble, I'll hurt you lot."
Mothers use it with restless kids making besides much racket.
It's also sometimes used by men eyeing upward women they'd like to go their hands on, if only they could stop bitter those hands.
Non me va/not me frega ("Couldn't care less")
Italians get pretty heated up when they quarrel.
Hands fly everywhere.
This gesture reins them in to make a decisive bespeak.
The fingertips of one hand are placed under the mentum pointing toward the cervix, then swiftly flicked outward towards the person being argued with.
Information technology ways that they're not willing to exercise something, or they just couldn't care less.
Ma guarda questo ("Take a look at him/her")
Ma guarda questo: Take a look at him.
Courtesy Gaetano Virgallito
An outstretched hand might seem like a friendly gesture.
Here it'south anything but.
The arm is stuck out in front end and the palm rotated upward, while the face takes on a look of righteous indignation.
This is used to criticize and ridicule someone'due south actions, words or appearance.
Every bit in: "If this person thinks they've mastered Italian sign language, they're clearly a fool."
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/experts-guide-to-italian-hand-gestures/index.html
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