Russian Gestures
or why you never wink at a Russian Woman
or why you never wink at a Russian Woman
Gestures and Body Language are not universal.
They are culturally based. Giving the 'thumbs
up' in America may show your approval, but it
will probably start a fight in Russia!
They are culturally based. Giving the 'thumbs
up' in America may show your approval, but it
will probably start a fight in Russia!
Russian Gesture Meaning
Nodding your head yes
Shaking your head no
Smile Approval. Not used casually
Laughing It’s funny, not approval or agreement
Movement of cutting throat I’m full
Rub three fingers together I need money
Fingers slapped on center of forehead that was dumb
same, only then turn back of fingers against you I did something dumb
Reach behind head, scratch left ear with right hand
you said/did that backwards or are making it more complicated than it needs to be
Triple kiss on alternate cheeks sign of devotion
Fist with two fingers on either side of throat I need help
Winking at a woman indication that she is a prostitute
Extend arm toward road I need a ride (a taxi or private car will stop)
Fully extend index, middle, and ring finger victory
Jerk head in side direction let’s go for a serious talk/fight/sex
Hand on hip so what?
Tap finger with forehead I’m/you’re/he’s/she’s stupid
Crossing hands behind back excluding yourself from a promise,statement
(American's cross their fingers to do this)
Twiddling your thumbs that person is nuts
Two fingers tapped on shoulder that person is a spy
Pointing to the ceiling someone could be listening
Looking away while speaking sign of deviousness or untruth
Strong eye contact sincerity
Flicking throat with index finger let’s drink. He/she is drunk
Rub two fingers under the chin I want a drink/they are drunk
Rub two fingers by the side of the ear I want a drink
Flip fingers against lower jaw I want a drink
Tapping 2, 3 etc fingers on stomach Let’s split a bottle of vodka between 2, etc
Stab index finger to the side of the neck that person is always drunk
Brush hand down at waist let’s go have sex or go *#$! yourself
“V” sign up yours
hold up a thumb up yours
“okay” sign in America screw you
Thumbs up up yours
“Toilet” in American Sign Language or
“I’ve got your nose” to a child screw you
(make a fist, push thumb up between index and middle finger and wag)
Never point or wag your finger at a Russian
Nodding your head yes
Shaking your head no
Smile Approval. Not used casually
Laughing It’s funny, not approval or agreement
Movement of cutting throat I’m full
Rub three fingers together I need money
Fingers slapped on center of forehead that was dumb
same, only then turn back of fingers against you I did something dumb
Reach behind head, scratch left ear with right hand
you said/did that backwards or are making it more complicated than it needs to be
Triple kiss on alternate cheeks sign of devotion
Fist with two fingers on either side of throat I need help
Winking at a woman indication that she is a prostitute
Extend arm toward road I need a ride (a taxi or private car will stop)
Fully extend index, middle, and ring finger victory
Jerk head in side direction let’s go for a serious talk/fight/sex
Hand on hip so what?
Tap finger with forehead I’m/you’re/he’s/she’s stupid
Crossing hands behind back excluding yourself from a promise,statement
(American's cross their fingers to do this)
Twiddling your thumbs that person is nuts
Two fingers tapped on shoulder that person is a spy
Pointing to the ceiling someone could be listening
Looking away while speaking sign of deviousness or untruth
Strong eye contact sincerity
Flicking throat with index finger let’s drink. He/she is drunk
Rub two fingers under the chin I want a drink/they are drunk
Rub two fingers by the side of the ear I want a drink
Flip fingers against lower jaw I want a drink
Tapping 2, 3 etc fingers on stomach Let’s split a bottle of vodka between 2, etc
Stab index finger to the side of the neck that person is always drunk
Brush hand down at waist let’s go have sex or go *#$! yourself
“V” sign up yours
hold up a thumb up yours
“okay” sign in America screw you
Thumbs up up yours
“Toilet” in American Sign Language or
“I’ve got your nose” to a child screw you
(make a fist, push thumb up between index and middle finger and wag)
Never point or wag your finger at a Russian
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