High five!

Don’t get caught doing these 12 common gestures outside of the U.S.

Image: Ashkan Forouzani

It is often said that body language transcends borders. And that is quite true to a great extent. But not always. At least not when it comes to the silent gestures that we use to express a myriad of different things. What is perceived as a friendly gesture here might be seen as a very rude insult in other places. So, take a look at the following 12 cases and remember them, just in case!

Image: Katya Ross

The classic thumbs-up sign represents approval, agreement, or satisfaction within American and European cultures.

But, in many Asian countries, it is seen as a major insult, and it can be offensive to anyone on the receiving end.

Image: Julia Taubitz

This simple summoning gesture, done by curling the index finger towards the palm, is well known within the U.S.

However, don't attempt to use this gesture in the Philippines, where it is considered to be one of the most offensive gestures one can make and can result in you being punished with broken fingers or arrested.

Image: Gregory Hayes

Shaking your head up and down is used to say "yes" and shaking it sideways, "no". This is the case in most countries.

But in places like Bulgaria and Greece, these two gestures are reversed, which can be very confusing to anyone visiting for the first time.

Image: Antonio Araujo

Crossing the arms over the chest is a quite common gesture without much meaning in most countries.

However, in Finland, this posture is viewed as a huge sign of arrogance. Standing with this posture can get you into a fight or make people dislike you.

Image: Patrick Fore

Primarily to the 1960s, this hand gesture was mostly used to indicate "victory" but, during the Vietnam War and the hippie era, this sign became associated with the concept of "peace", and it is now commonly known as the "peace sign".

Image: Igor Omilaev

The OK sign is a common hand gesture throughout the English-speaking world and is typically used to say that everything is going well.

However, in New Zealand, it is used to call out a lazy person, and in Australia, it’s used to express the number "zero."

Image: Andrew Petrov

Within most English-speaking countries, extending your pinky finger is a way to initiate a pinky swear, which means that someone is making a heartfelt and genuine promise.

But, in certain Asian countries, pointing outward with your pinky is considered a rude gesture and is best to be avoided.

Image: Dayne Topkin

Crossing one’s fingers expresses a wish for good luck in the U.S. and most English-speaking countries.

But crossing one’s fingers behind one’s back expresses insincerity while making a promise.

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In most Western countries, holding up the index finger signifies "number one" or "first place."

However, in Greece, Russia, and the Middle East, holding up the index finger is considered rude and can be interpreted as an insult or even a threat.

Image: Shafin Ashraf

The "horns" gesture, done by extending the index and pinky finger, is a common hand gesture in the U.S., especially in the heavy metal and rock music scene, meaning "rock on".

But in many countries, like Italy, Portugal, and Brazil, this same gesture can be interpreted as an accusation of infidelity.

Image: Max Kolganov

While holding your extended index and thumb at a 90-degree angle over your forehead is used to say that somebody else is a loser, that is not the case in China, where it symbolizes something else completely: a number eight.

Image: Roman Kraft

Raising the pinky finger alone is commonly used to parody a snob attitude. It is a cheeky gesture that is not to be taken seriously, at least in most Western cultures.

In China, however, extending your pinky finger indicates that you think little of the person you're speaking to and is considered quite rude.

Word!

How do dictionaries decide which words to add each year?

Image: Pisit Heng

If you’ve ever wondered how new words like "binge-watch" or "hangry" end up in the dictionary, you’re not alone. Lexicographers—the editors who compile dictionaries—track how often and how widely a word is used before giving it a permanent spot. If enough people are saying it, writing it, and using it to mean the same thing, it just might be a good fit!

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

Lexicographers track language by reading books, articles, and online content. They watch for new words, shifts in meaning, and changes in grammar.

They also study specialized terms from fields like medicine and technology, since these words often move into everyday use.

Image: Kate Bezzubets

Frequency plays a key role in whether a word makes it into the dictionary. A word must be used often enough to become part of everyday language. It can't be a one-time trend or a fad.

Frequent and consistent use across different sources shows that it's widely understood. That’s what helps it earn a place in the dictionary.

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

For a new word to enter the dictionary, it must be widely used across various groups. It can't be limited to a small group, niche community, or a tribal thing.

The word should appear in different contexts and be used by a broad range of people. Widespread usage shows it has become part of the common language.

Image: Joshua Hoehne

Another requirement for adding a new word to the dictionary is that it must be meaningful. It should clearly express a specific idea or concept.

If the word doesn’t have a clear, understandable meaning, it won’t be considered. Clarity is essential for a word to earn its place in the dictionary.

Image: Caroline Hernandez

The next factor for dictionary inclusion is longevity. A word should show signs that it will stick around and not fade into obscurity shortly after emerging.

Even though language evolves quickly, words that disappear quickly or seem like short-lived trends usually don’t make the cut.

Image: Dušan veverkolog

To be included in the dictionary, a new word must have a stable meaning. It should consistently represent the same idea or concept over time.

If the definition shifts too often or remains unclear, the word is less likely to be accepted. Dictionaries prioritize reliability and consistency in usage.

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When considering the inclusion of a new word, lexicographers collect citations that show the word in context, along with the sources where it appears.

These citations help track how the word is used over time and support its case for entry into the dictionary. They are essential for verifying both meaning and consistent usage.

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After a proposed new word meets all the criteria, it is reviewed by the dictionary’s editorial board.

The board evaluates its usage and meaning, then decides whether to include it and how to define it accurately.

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Some words, while valid, are not suited for dictionaries and instead belong in encyclopedias. Dictionaries define words, while encyclopedias explain specific people, places, or things. That’s why proper nouns usually appear in encyclopedias rather than dictionaries.

For example, a dictionary defines sly as an adjective, but an encyclopedia might list Sly, the 1920 Italian opera by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari.

Image: Ziph

Some dictionaries, such as the Oxford English Dictionary, allow the public to suggest new words and submit examples of their usage.

These contributions help lexicographers stay current with language changes and identify emerging trends.