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The fig sign

The fig sign is a mildly obscene gesture that uses a thumb wedged in between two fingers. The gesture is most commonly used to ward off the evil eye, insult someone, or deny a request. It has been used at least since the Roman Age in Southern Europe and parts of the Mediterranean region, including in Turkish culture. Some countries in Asia, Slavic cultures and South Africa use it too. It is used playfully in Northwestern Europe and North Africa, countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, Libya, Tunisia and Czech Republic to pretend to take the nose off a child.

The letter "T" in the American manual alphabet is very similar to this gesture.

Historical usage

[edit]

Among early Christians, it was known as the manus obscena, or 'obscene hand'.[1]

In ancient Rome, the fig sign, or manu fica, was made by the pater familias to ward off the evil spirits of the dead as a part of the Lemuria ritual.[2][3] It is contextually interesting and worth noting that the fig was a sacred plant for the Romans, especially through the Ficus Ruminalis (Fig of Rumina), a wild fig tree whose life was believed to be critical to the luck of Rome (e.g. its rot and then alleged regrowth during Nero's early reign.)[4]

The ancient Greeks wore amulets of the gesture around the neck to protect from the evil eye, and also used the gesture in artwork. What they considered an overtly sexual gesture was expected to distract evil spirits from causing harm.[5]

The word sycophant comes from the Ancient Greek word συκοφάντης (sykophántēs), meaning "one who shows or reveals figs"; though there is no unequivocal explanation as to the reason why sycophants in Ancient Greece were so called, one explanation is that the sycophant, by making false accusations, insulted the defendant in a manner analogous to making the fig sign.[6]

In Italy, this sign, known as fica in mano ('fig-hand'), or far le fiche ('to make the fig'), was a common and very rude gesture in past centuries, similar to the finger, but has long since fallen out of use.[1] Notably, a remnant of its usage is found in Dante's Divine Comedy (Inferno, Canto XXV), and it is commonly represented in medieval paintings of the Man of Sorrow.

The same hand shape is now frequently used, as a joke, with children, but represents the stealing of the nose and in this context bears no offensive or sexual meaning.

International nomenclature

[edit]
Goya, Witches' Flight. A man folds his fingers into fig sign as a protective gesture.
A golden good fortunes pendant shaped as a fig sign from Hellenistic Period (Eskişehir Archaeology Museum)

Derogatory

[edit]
  • In Greece and particularly in the Ionian Islands, this gesture is still used as an alternative to the moutza. It is known as a "fist-phallus", and can be accompanied by extending the right hand while clasping the left hand under one's armpit in a derogatory manner.[1]
  • In Carinthia, it is used to derisively dismiss the size of a man's genitalia.
  • In South Africa, it was once known as "the zap sign" and was the equivalent of giving the finger. The sign is nowadays known as the "toffee sign", particularly in Afrikaans culture.[citation needed]
  • In Madagascar, the gesture is an insult referring to one's mother's genitalia.[citation needed]
  • In Romania and Moldova, the gesture is an insult often referring to "Hai sictir" which means "shut up" or "fuck off."
  • In Mongolia, the gesture is called "salaavch" (Mongolian: Салаавч) and means "between the gap". Oftentimes one would say "may!" (Mongolian: май!) meaning something along the line of "get this" or "here you go." Sometimes one could spit at the fig shape before showing it. It is considered to evoke the shape of female genitals and thus has insulting connotations.

Sexual

[edit]
  • In Indonesia and, it is a gesture symbol for sexual intercourse. Where the thumb represent the male genitalia, the middle and index finger act as the female genitalia, this is to replicate the penetration of the male genitalia into the female genitalia. This hand gesture is still popular especially among men.[citation needed]
  • In Japan, this sign is called セックス (sekkusu) and means sex.[7]
  • In Belgium, Denmark and Germany the gesture is used as an invitation to sex.[5]

As disagreement or dismissal

[edit]
  • In Armenia, annoyance or disobedience to fulfill a request can be show with the fig sign. It can also have a sexual meaning, and can even be used as a way to say "Fuck you!".
  • In Azerbaijan, it is considered as a rude gesture indicating disagreement and sometimes showing sexual undertones. This gesture is accompanied by the expression Zırt![8]
  • In Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, the sign is also called shish, kukish or dulya (Russian: шиш, Ukrainian: дуля). It is considered rude and conveys refusal with a sense of absoluteness and finality. The expression fig tebe! ("fig to you!") is also used in place of the gesture.[9]
  • In Poland, it is used to express refusal to a request.[10] The use of the gesture is referred to as showing someone a fig and may be accompanied with the rhyming phrase figa z makiem, z pasternakiem (lit. "fig with poppyseed, with parsnips"), sometimes in the form of a defiant statement "you'll get a fig (with poppyseed, with parsnips)" in full or in an abbreviated form.
  • In Lithuania, it is called špyga and usually when using it some would say špyga taukuota. As in Russia and Poland it means denying a request and refusing to do it. It is not as commonly used now, but more by the generation born around 1950s–60s as well as their parents' generation.[citation needed]
  • In Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia, it is used when denying a request or when swearing a false oath. In the request denial case it is called a fig (figa) but also a "rose hip" (Šipak / Шипак). Evo ti figa/Šipak! (here is a fig/rose hip for you!) is a slightly rude but also a humorous way of rejecting someone's request. In addition it is also used when swearing a false oath or falsifying an affirmation to tell the truth. In this case, it is said that a person is taking a false oath by hiding a fig sign in a pocket (figa u džepu).[11]
  • In Turkey, it is an obscene gesture equivalent to showing the middle finger, and is also used to show disagreement at a statement or to deny a request. In the latter sense, it is often accompanied by the (rude) nah! conveying negation or disagreement (see wiktionary:nah), or by the imperative al! meaning 'take that!', or the combination of the two: nah alırsın! meaning 'you will get nothing!' Thus, the gesture is often referred to as nah çekmek, meaning to 'draw (show) a nah'. It is used in a similar context in Bulgaria.[citation needed]
  • In Korea, it has a likewise meaning as in Turkey as to mean, "Here, have it!", often accompanied by a gesture in which one looks through their pockets as if searching for something, later to reveal the fig sign. It is an old sign and has mostly fallen into disuse. [citation needed]

Other uses

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See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Fig sign

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The fig sign, also known as mano fico or higa, is a hand gesture formed by clenching the fist and thrusting the thumb between the index and middle fingers, evoking the shape of a ripe fig and carrying dual connotations of protection and obscenity across cultures. Originating in ancient Rome as the manu fica, the gesture was performed by the paterfamilias during the Lemuria festival—a nocturnal rite held in May to appease restless ancestral spirits—specifically to ward off harmful external entities like the levis umbra (light shadows) through an apotropaic display. This protective role persisted into later Mediterranean traditions, where the fig sign functioned as a talisman against the evil eye, often crafted into amulets of coral, silver, or jet that symbolized fertility and divine safeguarding. In medieval and Renaissance Iberia, the gesture's obscene undertones—symbolizing sexual union—underwent resignification, linking it to Catholic Marian devotion and rendering it a popular accessory across social classes, from humble pendants to ornate jewelry, without facing ecclesiastical bans despite prohibitions on similar pagan charms. By the early modern period, its use spread to Latin America via colonization, retaining apotropaic significance in Brazil as the figa, a good-luck charm placed in homes or carried for fortune. Conversely, in , Greece, , and parts of , the fig sign evolved into a mildly vulgar denoting copulation or rejection, equivalent to phrases like "up yours" or "you won't get it," and occasionally employed in playful contexts such as children's games. Today, its interpretation remains culturally contingent: protective in superstitious Iberian and Brazilian practices, offensive in Slavic and Mediterranean contexts, and largely obscure or innocuous elsewhere, highlighting the gesture's enduring adaptability as a of both warding and provocation.

Description

Gesture Formation

The fig sign is formed by closing the hand into a and inserting the thumb between the index and middle fingers. To execute the step by step, start with the palm facing downward or neutral; curl the index and middle fingers inward to clasp the thumb securely between them at the base of the fingers; simultaneously, curl the ring and little fingers inward to complete the while keeping the thumb tip visible and protruding slightly. The hand's overall orientation may position the palm facing toward the body or outward, influencing the 's presentation without altering its core structure. Anatomically, the gesture emphasizes the thumb's fixed position wedged between the proximal phalanges of the index and middle fingers, with the remaining neutral to maintain stability and all fingers curled to form a tight . This handshape partially resembles the configuration used for the letter "T" in , where the dominant hand forms a with protruding between the index and middle fingers and the other fingers extended.

Visual and Symbolic Resemblance

The fig sign, formed by inserting the between the index and middle fingers of a closed , visually evokes the shape of a , with the protruding mimicking the fruit's stem and the encircling fingers suggesting its rounded, fleshy form. This resemblance is the origin of the gesture's name, as the (Ficus carica) has long been symbolically linked to female genitalia due to its soft, inverted flower structure and vulva-like appearance when split open. At its core, the symbolizes sexual union and through a dual phallic-yonic interpretation: the thumb represents the penetrating the depicted by the parted index and middle fingers, embodying generative power independent of specific cultural rituals. This inherent underscores its evocative force as a representation of and procreation, drawing on universal anatomical analogies rather than contextual applications. In artistic representations, the fig sign appears in static forms such as carved amulets and pendants, where the hand is stylized with exaggerated protrusion to emphasize its protective or symbolic form, often combined with phallic elements for amplified motifs. These depictions, typically in materials like or wood, focus on the gesture's compact, fist-like to convey intimacy and potency without narrative scenes. The term "fig sign" derives from the Italian "mano fico" or "fica," where "fica" denotes both the fig fruit and , reflecting the gesture's anatomical . Its Latin precursor, "manus fica," evolved into the early Christian label "manus obscena" (obscene hand), highlighting the enduring recognition of its vulgar, genital-referencing nature.

History and Origins

Ancient Mediterranean Roots

The fig sign, known in Latin as manus fica, emerged in the ancient Mediterranean as a potent apotropaic , primarily employed to avert the —a malevolent believed to cause harm or misfortune. In and Hellenistic contexts, the gesture appeared on amulets and jewelry, where the clenched fist with the thumb protruding between the index and middle fingers symbolized protection against envious gazes. These artifacts, often crafted in bronze or combined with phallic elements, were worn as pendants to enhance their defensive power, reflecting a broader of obscene or vulvic used to deflect supernatural threats. Hellenistic examples from sites like Patara in demonstrate the gesture's integration into personal adornments, underscoring its role in everyday ritual protection during the 3rd century BCE. In Roman culture, the fig sign gained deeper associations with sacred trees and , particularly through the Ficus Ruminalis, a wild fig tree revered near the cave as a symbol of nourishment and reproduction. This tree, linked to the myth of suckling under its branches, embodied fertility due to the fig fruit's resemblance to female genitalia and its milky sap evoking or semen; rituals honoring deities like Rumina, goddess of nursing, invoked such symbols to promote health and progeny. The gesture itself, evoking the fig's form, was performed during festivals to harness these protective and generative qualities. Ritual employment of the fig sign is vividly documented in Roman festivals like the Lemuria, held in May to exorcise restless spirits (lemures). According to Ovid's Fasti, the paterfamilias would rise at midnight, bare his feet, and perform the gesture—clenching his fist over the thumb—while casting black beans to repel these malevolent entities from the household. Pliny the Elder further describes related phallic charms, including fist-like symbols, as effective against the evil eye and misfortune, worn by infants, soldiers, and even affixed to triumphal chariots to nullify envy. Early Christian writers adapted and critiqued the , designating it manus obscena ("obscene hand") in patristic texts as a lingering pagan practice retaining apotropaic efficacy despite its vulgar connotations. This view positioned it as a holdover from Greco-Roman rituals, tolerated for its protective power against demonic influences but condemned for its sexual symbolism. Archaeological evidence supports these origins, with bronze pendants from the BCE Hellenistic world, such as those from Patara depicting the alongside phallic motifs, illustrating its use in amuletic contexts to safeguard against harm. Roman-era finds, including fist-and-phallus combinations from sites like Catterick, further confirm the gesture's continuity as a charm.

Evolution in Europe and Beyond

During the medieval period, the fig sign retained its obscene connotations in European literature, notably appearing in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy (c. 1320), where the blasphemous thief Vanni Fucci directs the gesture toward God in Inferno 25.1-3 as an act of defiance and vulgar insult. This reference underscores the gesture's persistence as a symbol of contempt amid Christian moral frameworks, evolving from its ancient Mediterranean associations with sexual symbolism. By the Renaissance, the gesture continued to embody both vulgarity and protective intent in cultural expressions, though documentation remains sparse due to its informal and often suppressed nature in ecclesiastical contexts. In the late 18th century, depicted the fig sign in his painting (1797–1798), where a figure in the lower composition makes the gesture—fingers curled with the thumb protruding between the index and middle fingers—to ward off the amid a scene of and . This portrayal reflects the gesture's dual role during the Enlightenment, surviving as a folk apotropaic practice despite broader Christian efforts to marginalize pagan-derived symbols, often manifesting in amulets like the mano fico for personal protection. The gesture's transmission via Mediterranean trade routes facilitated its dissemination beyond Europe by the , appearing in contexts as an equivalent to ("you get nothing") and in Slavic regions as a bawdy or , adapting to local customs while retaining phallic-vulvic imagery. Colonial expansion further spread the gesture to the , with early records in 16th- and 17th-century documenting its use among settlers and enslaved Africans as the figa, a protective amulet against misfortune and the , often carved from wood or jet and tied to infants for good fortune. In African-influenced Brazilian folk traditions, it symbolized spiritual power and , blending indigenous, European, and Muslim-derived practices from Iberian slaves. By the 19th and early 20th centuries, ethnographic studies in confirmed the gesture's endurance in rural superstitions, where the fica or mano fico—a hand forming the sign to evoke intercourse—was commonly employed against the malocchio (), alongside miniature charms for ongoing protection in daily life. This persistence highlights the fig sign's resilience through cultural exchanges, transitioning from elite literary scorn to widespread vernacular tradition across continents.

Cultural Meanings

Apotropaic and Protective Uses

The fig sign functions primarily as an apotropaic charm, designed to ward off the and other malevolent forces through its obscene, phallic-like form, which is believed to distract or repel threats. This protective symbolism draws on the gesture's visual resemblance to symbols, leveraging as a deterrent against envy-induced harm. In ancient Roman and Etruscan cultures, it was employed as an amulet to safeguard individuals from curses and misfortune, a practice that emphasized its role in folk magic to invoke good fortune. Across Mediterranean traditions, the fig sign appears in household charms and personal talismans, particularly in and , where it is affixed to doorways or carried to repel curses and promote . In Italian contexts, known as the mano fico, it is crafted into or metal pendants for daily wear, continuing its use in rituals such as protecting newborns during or travelers on journeys to avert dangers. Similarly, in Spanish traditions, variants called higa serve as protective icons against the , often incorporated into jewelry or home altars to maintain familial well-being. In Brazilian culture, the figa amulet—typically carved from wood, , or jet—holds a central place in Afro-Brazilian folk practices, worn or placed in homes to deflect and attract , with roots in both indigenous and African-influenced symbolism. Turkish and North African traditions also employ the or its amulet form to counter curses, using its bold imagery in rituals to banish negative energies during vulnerable moments like travel or illness. These applications persist historically from ancient artifacts to contemporary items. Today, the fig sign endures in superstitious practices through wearable jewelry, such as silver or gold pendants, popular in Brazilian communities for ongoing protection against misfortune. This continuity highlights its adaptability, from ritualistic amulets in folk magic to accessible accessories that preserve its warding essence in 21st-century life.

Derogatory and Offensive Interpretations

The fig sign serves as a of and dismissal in various Slavic traditions, particularly in , where it conveys the sentiment of "I don’t give a " or utter disregard for the recipient's concerns or requests. This usage equates the gesture to worthlessness, implying that the target or their amounts to nothing significant. Ethnographic observations note its employment in heated arguments or to publicly belittle someone, often escalating tensions in social interactions. In Balkan regions such as , the gesture, known locally as "figa," implies refusal and scorn, suggesting "you'll get nothing" or that the person possesses only something as trivial and valueless as a . This interpretation underscores themes of and inferiority, frequently deployed in confrontational settings like disputes or negotiations to the other party into retreat. Historical linguistic influences from Latin and Italian roots have embedded this meaning in regional customs, where it functions as a non-verbal of sorts, diminishing the target's status without direct . Intensity varies, appearing mildly dismissive in casual rebuffs but more when used aggressively in public shaming. Among Middle Eastern cultures, notably in , the fig sign expresses contempt by denying access or value, akin to telling someone "you can’t have what you want," often in contexts of rejection or argument. This form of highlights the gesture's role in asserting dominance during conflicts, such as verbal altercations or social rebukes, drawing from longstanding Mediterranean traditions. In , particularly within Afrikaans communities, it is termed the "toffee sign" and parallels the as a broad expression of disdain and worthlessness, used to dismiss or demean opponents in everyday disputes. Across these areas, the gesture's offensiveness ranges from moderately irritating in informal settings to highly provocative in formal or public ones, reinforcing social hierarchies through implied insignificance.

Sexual Connotations

The fig sign carries explicit sexual connotations in numerous cultures, where the gesture symbolizes through its visual representation of the —depicting the —inserted into the orifice formed by the index and middle fingers, evoking the . This interpretation stems from the gesture's resemblance to copulation, with the enclosed fingers signifying female genitalia and the protruding the penetrating organ. In Italian, the term "mano fico" or "fica" directly ties to this symbolism, as "fica" is vulgar for the , deriving from the fruit's shape and historical associations with female anatomy. Similarly, in Japanese, the gesture is known as "sekkusu," explicitly meaning , often used in informal or adult contexts to denote sexual activity. Across various regions, the fig sign functions as an obscene retort or vulgar expression with erotic undertones. In , , and , it serves as a provocative invitation to , akin to a crude proposition. In , it straightforwardly represents the act of , with the thumb symbolizing male genitalia and the fingers the female counterpart, making it a emblem in everyday interactions. Turkish usage amplifies this through phrases like "incir çekmek" (fig pulling), which implies a futile or mocking sexual effort laced with , often directed as an implying worthlessness with erotic overtones. Historically, these profane applications evolved from ancient in the Mediterranean, where figs symbolized and abundance under deities like Bacchus and Juno Caprotina, whose rituals invoked sexual union for prosperity but later devolved into vulgar gestures. The gesture's taboo status is particularly pronounced in conservative societies across parts of and , where its overt genital imagery can provoke severe social backlash or legal consequences. In , for instance, it is viewed as an obscene insult. Indonesian contexts similarly view it as highly offensive. In , it remains a potent vulgarity in and .

Expressions of Denial or Dismissal

In several Eastern European and Caucasian cultures, the fig sign serves as an emphatic non-verbal cue for denial, signaling rejection of a request, offer, or . In , the gesture—known as shish, kukish, or dulya—symbolizes absolute refusal, akin to conveying "nothing for you" or "no way," and has roots in East Slavic folk traditions where it evolved from protective uses into a marker of final . Similarly, in , it is termed figa or figa z makiem (literally "fig with seeds"), idiomatically meaning "zero" or "zilch," used to dismiss expectations outright and emphasize that no benefit or compliance will be forthcoming. This communicative function extends to conversational and transactional settings, particularly in negotiations across and the , where the gesture underscores without escalating to overt hostility. In , for instance, the equivalent nah or nah çekmek (literally "to draw a nah") explicitly denotes outright rejection of an offer, often employed to politely but firmly decline advances in or social exchanges. The sign integrates seamlessly with facial expressions—such as a , eye roll, or —to amplify its dismissive intent, making it a versatile tool in everyday dialogue rather than a standalone . Folklore in these regions further illustrates its role in denying favors or promises; Russian tales and proverbs, for example, depict the as a cheeky to overreaching demands, preserving a of witty rebuff. Unlike more aggressive applications, these uses often carry a playful tone in informal contexts, such as among friends, where the —formed by tucking the thumb between the index and middle fingers—lightens rejections and fosters camaraderie without deep offense.

Modern Usage

The fig sign appears in Francisco Goya's 1797–1798 painting , where a figure at the lower left employs the gesture as a protective measure against the amid a scene of witches carrying off a child. This depiction, housed in the Museo Nacional del Prado, underscores the gesture's apotropaic role in late 18th-century European art, influencing modern interpretations in exhibitions and analyses that highlight its dual protective and obscene connotations. In literature, the fig sign features prominently as an insult in Dante Alighieri's Inferno (Canto XXV), where the thief Vanni Fucci defiantly makes the gesture toward with both hands before serpents attack him, symbolizing ultimate and denial. This medieval reference has echoed in folk tales across Mediterranean traditions, such as Italian narratives where the mano fico wards off malevolent spirits or curses, often portrayed in oral stories collected in ethnographic compilations as a symbol of vulgar defiance against supernatural threats. In film and television, the fig sign often highlights cultural clashes, particularly in Italian comedies and international productions. For instance, in post-2000 travel documentaries or similar ethnographic films, tourists inadvertently use the gesture, leading to humorous or tense misunderstandings with locals who interpret it as obscene. In the HBO series Game of Thrones (2011–2019), adapted from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, the gesture is referenced as "the fig"—a crude insult akin to the middle finger—employed by characters like Arya Stark to threaten harassers, exaggerating its offensiveness for dramatic effect in a fantasy context. Digital media has amplified the fig sign through memes and viral content, where approximations using thumbs and fingers circulate on platforms like to denote denial or protection, often leading to confusion in user-generated videos. These post-2000 examples illustrate how contemporary media balances the gesture's historical protectiveness with its potential for insult, fostering broader awareness of its nuanced meanings.

Contemporary Regional Variations

In some Western cultures, the fig sign retains a playful connotation, often used in children's games as the "got your " gesture, where an adult pretends to steal a child's nose before returning it, fostering lighthearted interaction without any offensive intent. This usage persists in contemporary family settings, contrasting with its more charged meanings elsewhere. In , the gesture's obscene associations have diminished in urban areas like and , where younger generations view it as outdated or humorous for dismissal, while rural communities in regions such as maintain its traditional vulgarity as a stronger among locals. Outside , the fig sign functions primarily as a protective in , where it is known as the "figa" and crafted into amulets from materials like wood, , or silver to ward off the and promote good fortune; these items remain popular in everyday jewelry and home decor, especially among those influenced by Afro-Brazilian traditions. Similar protective amulets appear in North African contexts, such as and , where the gesture-inspired carvings are worn or displayed to counter envy and misfortune in modern superstitious practices. In , particularly , the sign is widely regarded as obscene, leading to cultural misunderstandings for Western visitors or in digital exchanges, where it can unintentionally signal akin to a ; this has prompted travel advisories in the to highlight such risks in multicultural interactions. In African regions like , it serves as a dismissive called the "zap sign" or "toffee ," equivalent to expressing or rejection, commonly used in informal urban disputes to convey disdain without words. Global migration and internet exposure have led to blended interpretations of the fig sign in multicultural cities like and New York, where immigrant communities introduce protective variants alongside Western playful uses, resulting in hybrid contexts that sometimes confuse meanings in diverse social settings. Among globalized youth in the , the gesture's taboo has lessened through viral memes and , shifting it toward ironic or neutral expressions in online . Contemporary challenges include legal repercussions for public use in , where the fig sign is classified as an offensive insult under Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code, potentially leading to fines or prosecution for up to two years in prison, as enforced in tourist areas to maintain public order. In virtual communication, adaptations like GIFs depicting the sign have emerged on platforms such as and , often for humorous or cautionary purposes, though they risk cross-cultural misinterpretation in global chats.

References

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  49. https://www.curationist.org/editorial-features/article/protection-from-the-evil-eye
  50. https://www.globalrescue.com/common/blog/detail/offensive-international-travel-hand-gestures/
  51. https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/2060858/warning-tourists-turkey-rude-gesture
  52. https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=%2522fig%2Bsign%2522
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