What's this hand gesture called?

The New Black · 03-13-2009, 02:05 AM

I see it a lot now.

The peace sign, I know. A-OK, I know. The finger, I know. What's this one?

newcurly · 03-13-2009, 02:15 AM

Hook 'em horns?

Odissey · 03-13-2009, 03:19 AM

It's called either rock on or hook 'em horns!

RedCatWaves · 03-13-2009, 06:09 AM

It's got various meanings. The Old Italians in my town growing up used to use it to ward off evil...called it Devil Horns. It's one of those ancient hand gestures that has been adapted over and over and over. It definitely wasn't invented by Univ of Texas.

PartyHair · 03-13-2009, 07:48 AM

Devil horns

ROCK ON! (This is what it means for me, and I use it frequently.)

Hook 'em, Horns

Gemini13 · 03-13-2009, 08:01 AM

Besides the devil horns, I think it's a surfer sign too?- meaning hang loose.

LisaF1163 · 03-13-2009, 08:08 AM

I think "hang loose" is the thumb and the pinky finger? Not sure, I could be wrong.

Gemini13 · 03-13-2009, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LisaF1163

I think "hang loose" is the thumb and the pinky finger? Not sure, I could be wrong.

Ah yes, I think you're right...

shellibean · 03-13-2009, 08:31 AM

Yes, That is "Rock on" and/or "Hook 'em Horns" (Referring to the Texas longhorns). Hang Loose is the 3 middle fingers bent w/ the pinky & thumb extended.

Eilonwy · 03-13-2009, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedCatWaves

It's got various meanings. The Old Italians in my town growing up used to use it to ward off evil...called it Devil Horns.

I'm pretty sure that in Italy it also represents the proverbial horns of a cuckold, and is an insult comparable to giving someone the middle finger. But that my only be if the palm is facing away from the person making the gesture.

Jorgelina · 03-13-2009, 09:11 AM

Hi, I found this on wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corna seems to cover many of the meanings and uses of the horns's gesture.

Eilonwy · 03-13-2009, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jorgelina

Hi, I found this on wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corna seems to cover many of the meanings and uses of the horns's gesture.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

In contemporary Italy, the "horns" are placed behind someone's head, or explicitly pointed at a person (in Italian, fare le corna, to make the horns). The conveyed meaning is that this person, usually a man, is a cornuto, a cuckold, bearing the cuckold's horns. The gesture is used with the same meaning in many countries...

Maybe RCW's old Italian neighbors didn't like her very much?

ninja dog · 03-13-2009, 09:17 AM

What if you touch your heart with your fist first? My nephew did this on stage last week (he's 13) AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT MEANT.

(Sorry for the caps. I'm on a new keyboard.)

rudeechick · 03-13-2009, 09:20 AM

In my house we called it Shaka - tho we SOOOO might have made them up... but we use it in the hawaiin way - for "its chill" or hang loose.

KookyCurl · 03-13-2009, 12:41 PM

Though more popular among the heavy and harder rock scenes it's pretty popular all around now. It basically means "rock on" and can be used to symbolize quite a bit. There is also some debate on weather the palm should face out or in. Beware of the improper usage among those who just don't get it and leave the thumb out there hanging thus creating the ASL sign for "I love you." While a wonderful sentiment, to fans it's not quite so rock and roll.

Appropriate usage would be to symbolize approval (as in "awesome", "kick a$$"), to show solidarity, or to proclaim your love for rock. Though many have appropriated the signal, it should not to be used to salute boy bands or any such teeny bopper type performer. It may however be employed ironically.

Alternately if you are a TX longhorns fan it is used to symbolize your support for the teams (though I think the fingers should be splayed more).

When tilted to the side and held up to the ear it loses it's rock significance and just means "call me."

Hang loose is made by extending the thumb and pinky finger and shaking the fist a bit.

When the pinky is tucked in and the fists turned so the thumb points up. Then you have the universal symbol for cool. Often accompanied by a slight lean back and a head cocked to the side and the person emitting an "Ayyyyy" sound. Examples: Fonzie.

eta: it was supposed to be "cocked to the side" the sensors edited it. After reading that article...it's not quite so universal, though one day it may be. It's all part of Fonzie's master plan.

shellibean · 03-13-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KookyCurl

When the pinky is tucked in and the fists turned so the thumb points up. Then you have the universal symbol for cool. Often accompanied by a slight lean back and a head **** to the side and the person emitting an "Ayyyyy" sound. Examples: Fonzie.

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RedCatWaves · 03-13-2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eilonwy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jorgelina

Hi, I found this on wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corna seems to cover many of the meanings and uses of the horns's gesture.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

In contemporary Italy, the "horns" are placed behind someone's head, or explicitly pointed at a person (in Italian, fare le corna, to make the horns). The conveyed meaning is that this person, usually a man, is a cornuto, a cuckold, bearing the cuckold's horns. The gesture is used with the same meaning in many countries...

Maybe RCW's old Italian neighbors didn't like her very much?

Hey Eilonwy...

This is for you...

badgercurls · 03-13-2009, 02:05 PM

Um, so the way I've seen it lately a lot in people's pictures (on Facebook, etc.) is with both the pointer and middle finger extended and close together, the ring finger down, and the pinky out. So I looked it up. Apparently it's called the shocker, and it's very vulgar! (If you're really curious - and not faint of heart - look it up on Wikipedia.)