There are 6 hand signs you should avoid using in other countries for dangerous reasons

It turns out that some hand gestures mean very different things in other countries - here's the ones to avoid.

While you would expect that most hand gestures are pretty universal around the world, it seems as though that's not quite true. And while some are very obviously derogatory *the middle finger*, there are some you may use without even knowing the meaning.

I think it's safe to say that a thumbs up and down generally always mean what you would expect, but other hand gestures could be genuinely insulting to different cultures.

So, let's take a look at a few...

Reverse V sign - United Kingdom

Sticking two fingers up is a common 'f**k you' over in the UK (Getty Stock Image)

If you're familiar with British culture in anyway, shape, or form, you'll know that throwing the V's up at someone isn't a positive thing.

In fact - it's quite the opposite.

Over in the US, this with your palm facing out is a 'peace' sign - but facing inwards in the UK, it is very different.

If you've ever gotten in the wrong lane at a roundabout, you may have experienced someone throwing the V up at you - because everyone else is a perfect driver, of course.

But generally, if you see someone do this in the UK, it usually means a big f**k you to whoever it's aimed at. Aren't we lovely?!

Beckoning - The Philippines

Beckoning is done by holding your hand slightly up with your fingers curled, calling someone towards you. And in the Philippines, it's a highly offensive hand gesture.

In extreme instances, it's even punishable by arrest, as this is the hand movement used to call over animals.

Instead, their culture prefers you to face your palm down, almost like a scratching motion.

Crossing your fingers - Vietnam

While in countries like the UK and US crossing your fingers is a sign of good luck, over in Vietnam it brings the opposite.

Again, it's another highly offensive gesture, as locals have associated the appearance of crossed fingers to a part of the female anatomy.

So next time you're thinking of wishing someone good luck over there, just say chúc may mắn instead.

This isn't necessarily a sign of good luck everywhere (Getty Stock Image)

Pointing With Your Index Finger - Malaysia

Pointing in someone's face is often frowned upon and quite a disrespectful hand gesture, but using this finger in Malaysia is extremely offensive.

Malaysians consider using the index finger to point to be bad etiquette, and prefer to use a thumb to point instead.

Index and pinky outstretched - Italy

While this is commonly associated with rock and roll, over in Italy, the 'horn' sign could be considered taboo.

If the fingers are kept pointing down, it could be a sign of good luck.

However if you point the 'horns' at someone, or facing the sky, it is considered rather offensive.

Doing this at a rock concert in Italy is probably a no go... (Getty Stock Image)

Chin Flick - Belgium

Over in Belgium, locals use this gesture to tell another person to 'get lost'. However, in Italy, it simply means 'no'.

Perhaps this is handy to know if you're off on your travels soon!

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