Hand with thumb up. Thumb up and little finger extended, or what does the “Shaka” gesture mean among young people? Down syndrome test

Yokamon! Good afternoon dear readers, today I decided to touch on a very interesting topic on my blog. Let's talk about what the gesture “Thumb and little finger protruding in different directions” means. Do you believe in the existence of sign language? How often do movements of the hands and the formation of certain figures replace familiar vocabulary? Do you know what the thumbs up and pinky sign means and when it is appropriate to use it?

Are you aware that this gesture should not be done in the Caribbean? Read on, the most interesting things will come next.

One gesture on many continents

This strange gesture, called "Shaka", is often used by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes and grappling wrestlers.

The gesture, when the thumb and little finger are protruded and the rest are pressed against the palm, can be seen not only among wrestlers, but also among people from the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Today it is often used by ordinary people, and on different continents it can be deciphered and understood differently. For example,

if we take the American sign system as a basis, this means the letter U,
in China - number 6,
and in our country this gesture symbolizes a telephone call, if a person puts his thumb to his ear,
or an offer to take drugs if you put it to your lips,
if your hands are located at stomach level, the interlocutor is offering you alcohol.

According to many sources, this sign is most often used when greeting, along with it, they mainly pronounce the words “Shaka, brah!” The islanders seem to be asking people to relax, take their time, and remember that life is wonderful and everything will always be fine. In Hawaii, everyone uses this gesture: athletes and even politicians. Apart from greeting, "Shaka" is also used to express your gratitude and if you want to say goodbye.

By the way, the “Shaka” gesture is used in the film “Secret Soldiers of Benghazi”. The film was shot this year. If you can uncritically experience the heroism of the American soldier and can watch Hollywood portray the East in cinema, I see no reason why you wouldn't like Michael Bay's new film.

Putting aside the electronic world, the director, with identical pomp, shot the project much better, and we must admit that he did it very well. If you don’t have anything to do in the evening, watch this movie and write in the comments what this gesture meant in the last minutes.

Where did the gesture come from?

After viewing the picture, I became curious, how did this sign come into use? Who started showing it first? Why don't they use the index finger instead of the little finger? According to the first two versions that I was able to find, "Shaka" is associated with an ordinary guy Kalil Haman, who worked in the last century in Hawaii.

One day he had an accident, as a result he lost all the fingers on his hand except the thumb and little finger. Many people believe that the guy always said hello with his right hand, and people only saw two fingers. This gesture was liked by the local guys, who began to greet in the same way. A few years later, the gesture spread throughout the island; by the way, almost all local residents are confident that this version is the most truthful.

Second version

The gesture became popular after Haman got a job guarding trains that carried sugar. An accident happened to him at his previous job. He had to inspect the trains and drop off the children who were constantly trying to ride them. After the inspection, the guy raised his hand, thereby showing the driver that he could move on and everything was fine.

Another version of "Shaka" is associated with

According to legend, a shark attacked a surfer, but he managed to escape, losing three of his fingers. The guy never gave up surfing and greeted his friends with his right hand, using this very gesture.

There are sources where it is written that “Shaka” was used by labor immigrants as an invitation to drink a glass of beer or something stronger after a hard day of work.

It’s interesting how meaningful a simple sign can be; many people probably don’t even think about what they are showing when they simply randomly cross two fingers. After reading the forums, I realized that our people perceive “Shaka” differently.

What does protruding thumb and little finger mean?

I'm a rocker
Goat, gore, gore.
Sexual act. By the way, this is why I wrote earlier that it is better not to show it on the Caribbean Islands unless you are specifically talking about intimacy. If you point your little finger at a girl with your thumb sticking out, she may take it as an insult and file a police complaint against you for harassment.
Hard bass dance.
Nike brand.
Relax, take it easy.
Among the mercenaries it means "Jumbo" - in other words, this is their Code.

Do you know what this or other gestures mean? Well, for example, a two-finger gesture in the form of the letter B? Or, for example, what does the tongue gesture between two fingers mean? Share your guesses in the comments.

Two finger gesture in the form of the letter B

From historical articles it became known that during the Hundred Years Wars, the French had a couple of fingers cut off, which they used to draw a bow. And those who had all their fingers in place mocked their enemies and showed “V”.

Even today this gesture is prohibited in France. And also almost all of Europe and England do not recognize it. For example, approximately 7 years ago, Barry Ferguson and Alan McGregor were expelled from their football teams for displaying "V".

The second meaning of this sign is “Victory”. It was used by Winston Churchill himself during World War II. He made the "V" sign popular and in his understanding it meant victory, but in this case the palm had to be turned back to the public. Many countries perceive this sign as a simple demonstration of the number "2".

Gesture "Goat"

In Russia, this gesture is called “horns”, “raspaltsovka” or “korn” and everyone interprets it in their own way. In Central Europe in medieval times it was used to protect against the evil eye (as if you had a bullet in your pocket). This sign can be found mentioned in many books, it is even depicted in paintings. The frontman of Black Sabbath has made this gesture the most important in his life: now at a concert of various musical genres, he shows “Horns” as if approving the group. But there is no need to show this gesture to an Italian man or woman. In this country it means someone who has been cuckolded. So try not to show Heavy Metal in this country.

Do I use gestures when communicating with friends? Probably more often no than yes. We are all different, and everyone has their own perception of the world, I may offend someone, on the contrary, I will flirt with someone, although I did not even intend to do this. It's better to use words instead of gestures. But I’m sure that at a Korn concert the “Shaka” or “Goat” gesture will be more than appropriate.

Share your thoughts in the comments. It will be very interesting to read. And don't forget to subscribe to. All the best and see you soon!

Text— Agent Q.

In contact with

Pay attention to the other person during the conversation. How often does he gesture to accompany his speech? How emotional is he doing this? What actions do your fingers slip through?

Many people use their hands during a conversation to add more emotion to their speech. Sometimes, with the help of finger gestures, you can understand what mood a person is in or what he really wants to convey to his interlocutor.

Raised palm

In most countries, a raised palm indicates a stop signal. This use is used during a conversation to stop the interlocutor.

The second designation is “greeting” or “farewell”, when the palm is raised up for a short time. But among the peoples of Greece, this is an offensive gesture, after which conflict will immediately follow.

Connecting the fingertips of both hands

When the interlocutor puts his fingertips together, you can immediately understand that he is filled with calmness and confidence in himself and his knowledge. Such people are stingy with emotions and very balanced.

The gesture also denotes a moment of reflection and decision making. In this interpretation, it was used several hundred years ago in judicial sessions.

Crossed index and middle fingers

In many Western countries for good luck. In Russia, this gesture corresponds to two meanings: for good luck and as a reversal of one’s words. When a person makes any promise that he does not intend to keep or his speech is unreliable, then he keeps his fingers crossed behind his back in order to “relieve himself of all responsibility” for what he said.

But in the Vatican, by showing this gesture to the interlocutor, a person insults him, since in this country such an interlacing of fingers means the female genital organs.

Calling gesture with index finger

In Russia, as well as in many European and Western countries, an outstretched and curving index finger is used to call someone, but it is considered a “slang” symbol and is not used in cultural communication. In Asian countries, this gesture is prohibited. In the Philippines, dogs are called in this way, so its use in relation to a person is humiliating and insulting.

Kukish

This sign is interpreted differently in different countries. So, among the residents of Russia this is an expression of refusal, and in a rude form. But for Brazilians, on the contrary, it is a symbol of goodwill, who are wished good health and good luck. Therefore, it is used quite often in this country.

Middle finger

This gesture is obscene and offensive in most civilized countries. It symbolizes the male genital organs, and the middle finger was used in this designation back in the days of the ancient Romans.

Fist

When all the fingers on one or both hands are pressed against the palm, that is, clenched, it means that the person is hostile.

The emergence of finger gestures

The use of fingers during conversation or separately from it began to exist many centuries ago, even during the formation of civilization. Gestures were especially often used in religions.

Christians used finger movements and folding them into various plexuses during reading prayers and worship.

For Muslims, each phalanx of the fingers, as well as the palm, is endowed with a letter of the alphabet.

In France, when various secret societies were organized, members of these societies communicated using finger and hand gestures. Moreover, the gestures were known only to them and were secret.

In Chinese medicine, the entire body was treated using fingers, pressing on special points. Therefore, in Asian countries, hands are also a symbol of health, and gesticulating offensive signs with them is prohibited.

Over time, the use of fingers as a way of communication took root in public life and began to be supplemented with new symbols and change their meaning. Nowadays, most people use this method of communication, sometimes unconsciously, expressing their emotional outburst.

For people with disabilities, this is the only way to interact with the outside world. Therefore, finger gestures cannot be ignored when communicating.

Since ancient times, communication has been carried out not only in the obvious verbal way. When people had not yet developed a speech apparatus, they mastered the method of communication using gestures and signs.

And even now nonverbal communication a lot of attention is paid. Albeit unconsciously, in a conversation people pay attention not only to what they were told, but also to how they were told.

The behavior of the interlocutor also does not go unnoticed. What can I say, many of us still emphasize certain phrases or sentences with certain signs to enhance attention.

For example, one common gesture is sticking out the thumb and little finger. Those who are lucky enough to visit the Hawaiian Islands can often observe this gesture in conjunction with the traditional word “shaka”.

Them representatives of Hawaiian culture greetings, surfers and skydivers. It is easy to do - except for the little finger and thumb, all the rest need to be bent. This gesture carries with it a simple call - relax and take your time, everything is fine and wonderful.

This is all clear, because in Hawaii no one is in a hurry, and there’s no reason to. Of course, this is a place of relaxation and unity with nature with the help of its culture and characteristics.

A reasonable question may arise - who has the right to use the gesture? Yes, everyone has. Young and old of any profession can take advantage of this gesture. Moreover, the situation in which it is appropriate is very diverse - greeting, gratitude, wishing you a good day.

Using the shaka gesture, you immediately feel in unity with nature islands and local culture.

No one knows where this gesture came from, and existing theories vary on this matter. Many are leaning towards the beach appearance and the participation of surfing in this. One of the first versions says that in the forties of the 20th century this gesture used by a factory worker.

He had an accident in which he lost several fingers. Therefore, when greeting, he waved the rest of his palm.

According to another version, he not only crippled his hand, but issued a warning. Waving a brush to children jumping from trains. They repeated what they saw. The gesture stuck between them, and then went further to the people, gaining popularity.

Another version says that the gesture is for the first time surfer used whose shark bit off several fingers. Or that it was the government's way of punishing those caught surfing. One finger - once. And the most avid surfers could get to know each other with the help of a shak.

It is possible that this gesture invented by the Spaniards who came to the island. By making the indicated symbol with their hands, they created their meaning. In their understanding this meant invitation to drink. This is how they approached the local population when they were thirsty and explained to them.

There are many versions of this, but they all have one thing in common – the message. It consists of a wish of love and goodness, a friendly symbol that unites everyone on the islands.

The word “shaka” itself, which gave the gesture its name, appeared in the second half of the last century. When the news was broadcast, the journalist ended the broadcast with best wishes. True, some sources are sure that the name takes its roots in the name of Buddha, Shakyamuni.

When he prayed, he made shaka with his hands. And with each palm. It turns out that such a symbol speaks of following the religion of Buddha and his view of life. Some even say that this is a copy of the expression “shark eye, sharp eye.”

It was given most respected friends and family members. At the end of the seventies, the candidate for the post of local mayor used this symbol in his election political campaign, which led to an increase in the popularity and recognition of the symbol. They began to talk about it more often, use it and bring it to the masses.

The gesture serves as a simple way to remind all people to care about those around them. The islanders profess their principle. It translates into a simple and understandable thesis that says that we must love and care for all people.

Even newcomers to the island can safely use this gesture. If the word “Aloha” was used for greeting, farewell and wishes for peace, then a symbol such as “Shaka” conveys all these meanings to us at once.

In Russia, the gesture is common, but with a slightly different meaning. It could be offer to drink, according to Spanish tradition. Promise contact by phone, or offer to smoke. And some world football players use it when celebrating a victory.

We observe a common phenomenon where a gesture originated in one area and then spread throughout the world. Moreover, its interpretation varies from country to country. There is only one thing left - good intention.

The Malays call the thumb the elder brother, the Indians call it the mother, and the Somalis call it the grandfather. Every day we give dozens of “likes” with a thumbs up, and Cesar even erected a monument to him in Paris.

The most important of the fingers

Of all the fingers, the most important for us is the thumb. It is thanks to the presence of the thumb that humans (and anthropoid primates) have a much more developed grasping reflex than, for example, New World primates, in whom the thumb was never formed.
American scientists from the University of Utah, David Currier and Michael Morgan, conducted an experiment in which it was found that the ability of a person’s hand (due to the presence of a thumb) to form a fist also protects the bones of the hand from damage during an impact. This suggests that the formation of the thumb, which is opposed to all the others, occurred not only for the sake of improving motor skills, but also because the hands became an effective means of defense and attack.
Larger areas of the brain are responsible for the movements of the thumb than for the functionality of the other fingers. Moreover, the thumb has its own pulse, which is why measuring the pulse using it is not considered correct.

Misjudgment

A common misconception is that the citizens of Ancient Rome decided whether to keep a gladiator alive after a fight by raising or lowering their thumb. This misconception arose from Jean-Leon Gérôme's painting Pollice Verso. The artist translated the Latin text incorrectly. In fact, a thumb bent in any direction a priori meant a death sentence, since it symbolized nothing more than a naked sword. The gladiator was allowed to live only if the emperor (and not the entire crowd) kept his fist clenched. Thanks to Hollywood films, the misconception “went to the people,” but we consider it worthwhile to refute it once again.

Thumb as a threat indicator

We sincerely hope that you will never need this “life hack”, but still. There is a simple way to determine whether a person is in the affected area during a nuclear explosion. To do this, you need to extend your hand with your thumb protruding towards the “fungus”. If it is higher than your finger, it’s bad.

Length measure

The thumb is also significant because it was the length of the first phalanx of the thumb that was initially taken to be an inch. Of course, the thumb is not the most reliable “ruler,” but to this day in elementary school, schoolchildren are taught to compare the width of the thumb with a centimeter.

...Has the meaning

Anthropometry is a controversial science, but regarding the relationship between the size of the thumb and a person’s intellectual abilities, doctors have come to a clear conclusion: people with high IQ have long and proportional thumbs, while mentally retarded people, people with Down syndrome, have thumbs may be underdeveloped and curved.

Give it a "like"

Lately, the “like” thumb has become synonymous with approval on social media. Users are literally chasing “likes”; they even make money from them.
This attitude towards a thumbs up is no coincidence - in almost all European countries and the USA this gesture shows that everything is fine. However, there are also cultural aspects. So, in Greece this gesture means a call to be silent, in Iran and other Muslim countries it is better to completely forget about the raised finger - this gesture is considered indecent here. Finally, if you find yourself underwater with divers, don't let your guard down when the instructor shows "like". This gesture indicates a signal to ascend.

Another common gesture involving the thumb is OK, where the thumb and index finger are combined. Do not show it in Brazil or Turkey under any circumstances. They will misunderstand. They might even beat you.

Fig

Figa has actually become one of the main Russian gestures involving the thumb, but its origin is non-Russian. Most likely, in Rus' they learned about the fig from visiting Germans who tried to seduce Russian young ladies with such a vulgar gesture. There is even a version that “fig” arose from the German expression fick-fick machen (this was the traditional German invitation to intimacy).

In the Russian tradition, the symbol of this gesture (probably thanks to highly moral Russian women) was transformed into a designation of categorical refusal. Moreover, over time, “fig” began to be used as a protective remedy against evil spirits: apparently, due to their promiscuity, expats from German lands were equated with demons.

Incredible facts

For the first time in history, geneticists have defeated Down syndrome. Scientists have succeeded in switching off an extra chromosome early in pregnancy.

Thanks to this laboratory experiment, which ended so successfully, there is hope for a possible cure for a genetic disease that is characterized by cognitive impairment.

The experiment, which ended in one of the laboratories of an American university, is a breakthrough in the field of genetics.

Scientists boldly say that in vitro experiments open up new possibilities for future chromosome therapy.

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts have shown by example that the extra chromosome that causes Down syndrome can be “turned off”, after which the fetus will develop normally.

This discovery provides important evidence that the underlying genetic defect (extra chromosome) can be eliminated even at the stage of cell development.

The experiment, carried out by American scientists, will improve scientists' understanding of the fundamental biology underlying Down syndrome, and will also help in the future to develop medicine and improve therapy for the treatment of genetic disorders that today cause fear to most of us.

Down syndrome: causes

Most people are born with 23 pairs of chromosomes, including two sex chromosomes (for a total of 46). Patients with Down syndrome are born with an extra chromosome, which is formed during the embryonic stage. Typically, the extra copy is observed on chromosome 21.

Researchers are confident that so-called "trisomy 21" causes cognitive disability, Alzheimer's disease leads to a high risk of developing leukemia in children, heart disease, and also causes dysfunction of the endocrine system.

Unlike genetic disorders caused by a single gene, genetic correction of an entire chromosome in a trisomic cell was, until recently, beyond the realm of possibility.

That is why any genetic disease was considered incurable. However, geneticists from the University of Massachusetts managed to perform a real miracle.

Now we can say with confidence that the experiment, during which scientists managed to suppress the extra chromosome, was more than successful. Thanks to stem cells, the extra copy of the chromosome that causes Down syndrome is simply “turned off.”

The experiment was a real breakthrough in medicine, as well as hope for all humanity that in the future it will be possible to cure not only Down syndrome, but also other genetic diseases, the names of which alone fill us with fear.

Down syndrome on ultrasound

The so-called screening test to detect Down syndrome in the fetus is carried out between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. The ultrasound specialist determines the thickness of the collar space.

An ultrasound examination, which measures the subcutaneous fluid in the cervical region of a child, makes it possible to talk about the likelihood of developing the disease with almost one hundred percent accuracy.

Down syndrome test

There is another sure-fire option - a blood test, which can reveal a genetic disorder. A special blood test determines the level of beta-hCG, as well as the PAPP-A protein.

Using a blood test, doctors accurately determine the degree of risk of developing a disorder. In women carrying a fetus with Down syndrome, the concentration of beta-hCG and PAPP-A protein is noticeably different from the prescribed norm.

Both tests are accurate however, if there is some doubt about the child's normal development, the doctor may order both tests at the same time, thereby increasing the accuracy of the results.

Screening test

The benefits of a screening test in the first trimester of pregnancy are clear. First of all, this is high accuracy and almost error-free determination of the development of deviation.

It is important that this analysis is carried out in the early stages of pregnancy, which allows, if a disease is detected, to conduct additional research, as well as decide what to do with the fetus next: terminate the pregnancy or still give birth to a baby.

In any case, the earlier the disease is detected, the less traumatic consequences the expectant mother faces if she decides to have an abortion.

The main disadvantage of conducting a screening test is that it is not carried out in every clinic or in every city. Many are also put off by the high cost of such analysis. As a rule, a screening test to detect Down syndrome in a fetus can be done in metropolitan clinics.

Down syndrome: signs

At birth, just by looking at the child, doctors can accurately determine whether the child has a genetic disease.

People with Down syndrome tend to certain features in appearance, which make them similar to each other, and also distinguish them from others.

Typically, children with Down syndrome:

- flat face,

Slanted eyes with raised corners,

One transverse fold on the palm,

A far apart big toe,

Excessively developed skin folds on the foot.