What are common hand gestures?

Not all hand gestures are globally accepted. For instance the thumbs up gesture is considered coarse in some countries. This is description of various hand gestures.

The crossed fingers usually means ''hoping for the best". It also has a religious meaning to ''ward off evil or shun demons". Some people cross their fingers when lying "to negate the lie". A flat hand extended and slightly tilted forward signals: stop, enough or settle. The person is directing authority; the forward tilt of the hand signals a person to "settle" or "sit".

The thumbs up gesture suggest that something is "good or acceptable". This gesture was used by early Romans to indicate that a gladiator in the arena will live. In China the gesture means "one". The thumbs up gesture is used by hitch-hikers to gain free transport from vehicles when hiking along the road.

The thumbs down gesture has a negative reaction, and is the reverse of the thumbs up gesture. It suggest that something is "bad or failed".

The vertical flat hand signals "stay away" and also means "talk to the hand". It show the person is is completely disinterested.

The fist is a sign of defiance and can lead to "violence". Its a "threatening message" with an intention to intimidate a person or group.

Hand gestures are expressive tools. Hand gestures are not universal and are interpreted according to country and culture. Hand gestures communicate in a non-verbal manner, these movements convey the feelings of a person and add impact to verbal discussions.