Most of us who aren’t sociopaths don’t go around sticking our middle fingers in other’s faces, and yet, this gesture is so ubiquitous in so many places around the world, allowing us to show our distaste with gusto or jokingly offer it to an offending jackass. Here are some facts about giving the finger you never knew.
7. It’s also called…
In addition to “the bird” and other well-known colloquialisms, it’s also referred to as the lesser known but not less awesome terms, “the finger wave,” “the rude finger,” and “the one finger salute.”
6. It’s supposed to be a dick
Yes – the long, scrawny, hairy, knuckled middle finger is supposed to represent a phallus. And an impressively gnarled and creepy phallus. Just think about that next time you flip the bird to your grandma at Thanksgiving.
5. It was brought to the US by Italians
Though the gesture dates back to ancient times, it is believed to have been brought over to America by Italian immigrants in the late 19th century. And aggressive, gesticulating motorists everywhere have been rejoicing ever since.
4. It was first documented as a sports hate gesture in the US
A baseball pitcher from the Boston Beaneaters was documented giving the finger to a member of the New York Giants in 1886. So that’s how the New York/Boston rivalry began…
3. Adding two knuckles makes it more authentic
In some areas of the world, two knuckles are slightly extended from the hand as well, representing a phallic “fuck you” along with two anatomically incorrect testicles to round out the sentiment.
2. There are many interpretations of its origins
Some say it originated in Ancient Greece as a way to visually convey anal intercourse. Others say that when the English and French fought each other the French would cut off the English archer’s middle finger so they couldn’t use their long bows. When the English won they held up their middle fingers in defiance, showing they could still pluck their bows, saying “pluck yew” (as in plucking the yew of the bow), which then evolved into “fuck you.”
1. This picture
Here is a picture of children in Borneo giving a photographer the finger while enjoying a breakfast of huffing glue from a plastic bag.
In my opinion, it is a vital part of the history of the middle finger.
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