Sunday, 23 May 2004
Useful Non-Verbal Communication Methods, Part One of a Potential Series
As a public service - and for no other reason in particular - I bring you certain gestures that may prove useful when in France. Unlike spoken language, these are efficient and unaffected by any sort of accent - or indeed, the lack of any language skills whatsoever.
- Camembert
- Action: Bring thumb towards flattened four fingers, repeat a couple of times (similar to the American gesture to signify a chatty person, but with the emphasis on the closing movement). Imitates action of closing the rounded lids that cover a camembert cheese.
- Meaning: "be quiet," "shut up" (French expression, "camembert")
- Useful: When someone just won't shut up.
- Mon œil
- Action: Tug gently on outer corner of eye with index finger from hand of same side.
- Meaning: "yeah, right" (French expression, "mon œil")
- Useful: When signifying sarcastic disbelief.
- The Middle Finger
- Action: extended middle finger, thumb and other fingers folded, hand raised, arm slightly extended. (Come on, did I really have to tell you that one?)
- Meaning: "screw you," "fuck off"
- Useful: When telling someone off.
- Worth Noting: Quasi-universally recognized. Can be used even if other hand is occupied.
- The European "Sod Off"
- Action: Bring one arm across chest, extending elbow, with forearm (between elbow and wrist) parallel to chest and ground. Bring other arm straight up, bending elbow just underneath first arm such that the forearms are crossed in their centers. Hand of raised arm - if not both - clenched in fist.
- Meaning: "screw you, "fuck off," "sod off, wanker"
- Useful: When telling off a European.
- Worth Noting: Much more visible from a distance. Makes clear to those surrounding you just who is the target of your wrath.