What Gestures Are Used in Australia?
Though the people of Australia have many gestures in common with Americans, other gestures may be foreign or even counterintuitive to a first-time visitor of the continent.
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Thumbs Up
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Though many western countries recognize a "thumbs up" gesture as an affirmative sign or sign of approval, in Australia it is considered a rude gesture having a meaning similar to that of a raised middle finger. Similarly, a "peace sign" given with the palm side of the hand facing the communicator is considered a rude, vulgar gesture in Australia. A "peace sign" given with the palm out means "peace" or "victory," as in North America.
Winking
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For a man to wink at a woman would generally be considered inappropriate in Australia. Though many in the United States think of it as a harmless and playful gesture, in Australia it is often considered too suggestive.
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Placing a Glass Squarely on the Bar
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In many western countries it is common for men to finish an alcoholic drink and then place their glasses upside down on the bar or table, demonstrating that they've left nothing in the glass. In Australia, however, this gesture is a way of saying that a person may want to fight.
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References
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Comments
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Hi, I'm from Australia... placing a drink on the bar like that means NOTHING here, it isn't offensive. Also, a "thumbs up" is incredibly common! No one thinks its rude at all, you could give a thumbs up to an old lady or a police officer and they'd think it's a good gesture! This gives Australians bad names, get your facts right.
