Discover the meanings of hand gestures across cultures.

Understand the significance of thumbs-up, peace signs, and more.

I call them your emotional barometer.

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Its also an easy go-to photo pose for many of us (okay, me).

So, definitely one you may want to be careful with!

Palms out

In the US, putting your open palm out usually means stop, as Ordorica says.

Two people’s legs touch under a table as they work on their laptops.

psychologist and body language expert

You might also use it casually among friends to mean enough, or hang on.

Therefore, it is disrespectful to use the left hand for eating, greeting, or exchanging items.

FAQs

1.

Books on grief are seen floating against a backdrop of clouds.

What does the hand gesture mean?

What does mean in slang?

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Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus, symbolizing toxic friendships.

psychologist and body language expert

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Courtesy Berkley Publishing