Is the American "thumbs up" gesture vulgar in Mexico or elsewhere?

Question

I just read never, ever use this gesture when traveling in Spanish speaking countries. Or have I misunderstood?

Is there any another gesture I might innocently use which could cause confusion?

Answer 1

Here's a link I found. It has some information on the top 10 hand gestures not to use in foreign countries. The second is the "thumbs up". It appears to be an insult in most of Latin America, West Africa, Sardinia, southern Italy, and the Middle East.

link text

"Thumbs up" gesture in Greece indicates that everything is good or agreement. So, no insult at all. - ianta, Jun 12, 2011

hmm. I was just going by what the website said. - 00c05604, Jun 12, 2011

sorry for any inaccurate information - 00c05604, Jun 12, 2011

Well, there are more mistakes about gestures in Greece. It was interesting though. - ianta, Jun 13, 2011

The thumbs up gesture also means the same thing in Russia as America. But after reading all the comments to the link, it gave me considerable information. Thanks! - territurtle, Jun 14, 2011

Answer 2

Wow, I haven't heard that! However, in Germany, the circle made with thumb and forefinger (like: "A-OK" in the U.S.) is an insult, a way of comparing the recipient of the gesture to a certain part of the anatomy. Can't wait to hear about the thumbs-up.

Answer 3

I do not know where, but I have heard that the thumbs up sign signifies "up yours" in some cultures.

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Me too. As far as I know, in most countries it's the same as showing your middle finger in the US. - rosalia09, Jun 14, 2011