Different gestures mean different things in different countries. Sometimes a gesture that is polite in one country is not polite in another and should not be used. A gesture that many people do not understand is one that uses the thumb. Most Westerners will sometimes show that they like something by holding out a closed hand with the thumb lifting in the air. Often, only one thumb is used, so it should be "the thumb up".
The usual explanation for the origin of this gesture is not really correct. When people were pleased with the way a gladiator (角斗士) had fought, they showed their thumbs up. When they were not pleased, they gave the thumbs down. When a gladiator was given the thumbs up, the emperor allowed him to live.
If people wanted to save the gladiator, they held out their hands and hid their thumbs in their hands. If they wanted the gladiator to die, they pointed their thumbs straight at him.
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A. When a gladiator was given the thumbs down, the emperor ordered him to be killed. B. This is called giving someone or something "the thumbsup". C. Using the palm as a gesture has different meanings in different cultures. D. Different meanings of gestures can also cause problems in understanding what another person is trying to say. E. It is said that this gesture could date back to ancient Roman times. F. The truth is, however, it was translated into a wrong meaning by mistake. G. As we know, different people from different countries can understand their own gestures. |
