Thumbs up

:"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, but a number of origins have been proposed.

Origins

Opposable thumbs

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. Fact|date=March 2008 Critics have suggested, however, that the apes may be simply repeating after humans. Fact|date=March 2008

Ancient Rome

The Latin phrase "pollice verso" is used in the context of gladiatorial combat for a hand gesture used by Ancient Roman crowds to pass judgment on a defeated gladiator. However, the type of gesture described by the phrase "pollice verso" and its meaning is unclear in the historical and literary record. [ [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclopaedia_romana/gladiators/polliceverso.html James Grout: "The Gladiator and the Thumb", part of the Encyclopædia Romana] ]

In modern popular culture, it is assumed that "thumbs down" was the signal that a defeated gladiator should be condemned to death; "thumbs up", that he should be spared, a view popularized by a widely reproduced painting by the 19th century artist Jean-Léon Gérôme, whose "Pollice Verso" (usually known in English as "Thumbs Down") depicts a triumphant gladiator looking up into the stands for the verdict of the crowd.

Medieval

Desmond Morris in "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.

World War II

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.

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 ”挺好的“ ("ting hao de"), meaning "very good," and gesture with a thumbs up, which in Chinese means "you're number one." High officials in Chinese government see it as a sign of respect. 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." [http://slate.msn.com/id/2080812/ Slate: What Does a "Thumbs Up" Mean in Iraq?] Combat pilots in the US and around the world still use this gesture.

According to Luís da Câmara Cascudo [Citation
last = Toledo
first = Roberto Pompeu de
title = Uma paixão dos brasileiro's
journal = Veja Magazine
issue = 1999
pages = 110
date = March 14
year = 2007
url = http://www.veja.com.br/] , Brazilians have adopted the "thumbs up" from watching American pilots based in northern Brazil during World War II.

The gesture internationally

"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, Iraq, Greece, and Sardinia, according to Roger E. Axtell's book "Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World"." [ [http://slate.msn.com/id/2080812/] ]

In Iran and Iraq, it is traditionally an obscene gesture, equivalent to the use of the middle finger in the Western world.

In Italy, in the right context, it can simply indicate the number one. Generally it is perceived as "OK".

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.Fact|date=July 2007 It indicates cocking a snook at someone.Fact|date=July 2007
*Showing your thumb to someone and calling him/her "angoothachaap"(finger-print) implies that you are insulting him/her as an illiterate person.Fact|date=July 2007
*Still, the acceptability of the "thumbs up" gesture is seen in the popular soda Thums Up.

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 "Aaay!!" with two thumbs up (standing with both elbows on hips and with hands at a 45 degree angle).

Fictional Kazakh journalist, Borat Sagdiyev portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen, is also known for giving the thumbs up in certain pictures.

The gesture in specific contexts

" — the thumb up meaning a positive opinion of a film; the thumb down meaning a negative one. The trademarked 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 they’re about to stop their 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.

In theme park attraction safety, the "thumbs up" motion means that the ride vehicle is clear for dispatch.

It is typical in sporting events for immobilized or downed athletes in need of medical attention to signal a thumbs up to assure teammates and fans that he is alright and able to move. Often, when a thumbs up is "not given", it is assumed that the athlete is unconscious or otherwise unable to do so.

Very often the thumbs-up sign is used simply to suggest happiness, good spirit, or a sense of accomplishment.

See also

*Gesture
*Finger (gesture)

Notes and references

External links

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