I'm curious as to what culture this is? When I took traditions we were told it was for a different reason... so that when a CM points it doesn't look like they are pointing at anyone in particular, but rather a direction. Otherwise guests might think the CM is talking about them. I have heard the "cultures" rumor but no one ever knows exactly what culture it is
You have to be careful these days..check these out...
Thumbs-Up
In the Unites States, the gesture means "good going!" But in Bangladesh, it is a taunt, and in other Islamic countries it is the equivalent to the upraised middle finger.
The A-Okay
Joining the thumb and index finger in circle is an insult in many Latin American countires. When Richard Nixon was Vice President, he is reported to have greeted a crowd South of the Border with a double "a-okay." Imagine the Reaction! A Frenchman reads the gesture as meaning "Zero" or "worthless."
Also in Africa it can mean A**hole.
"V" for Victory
In the United States, it means "victory" or "peace." But in England, if the palm faces inward it is a taunt- especially if executed with an upward jerk of th efingers.
Hook'em Horns
The pinkie and index finger reased up and the middle two fingers folded down is a symbol for the fans of the University of Texas Longhorn- but in parts of Africa, this is a curse. And for millions of Italians, it is the cormuto which means that "Your spouse is being unfaithful." And, this means "hang loose" in Hawaii.
Finger Beckoning/pointing
Here we sometimes hail a waiter with the index finger slightly raised and the thumb loosely extended. In Japan, it is rude to beckon a waiter if you then motion with the index finger. In Germany, the waiter might respond by bringing you two more drinks. In Malaysia, curling or pointing the index finger is considered very rude- scratching the air would be preferable for calling a waiter.
Tapping Forehead with Forefinger
It means "smart" here, while in Holland tapping the center of the forehead means "he's crazy." But in Argentina, our sign for "he's crazy" (circling the forefinger next to the ear) could be confused with their signal for "you have a telephone call."
Stop Sign
Extending one hand, palm forward means "stop!" in the United States. In Greece it is the moutza, or hand push which is a common sign of confrontation. And in West Africa, the gesture is even more insulting than the upraised middle finger.
Hands in Pockets
Think you can save yourself a load of trouble by putting your hands in your pockets? Think again: keeping one's hands in one's pockets while conversing is impolite in Indonesia, France, and Japan.
And thats just for starters...phew!
