A perception that dates back long ago suggests pointing brings unwanted attention to the recipient, implying that they’ve committed a wrong.

Repeated pointing in Japan can even instigate hostility.

Figurative “finger-pointing” is defined as “making explicit and often unfair accusations of blame.

In situations where you feel compelled to point, it is kinder to use an open palm, flight attendant-style.

When raised at face level and gesturing.

The evocation of power in the stick remains today, which is the reason many tv show journalists hold a pencil, despite having nothing to write.

The symbols of pointing and power confound and could explain why index pointing can be considered authoritative and rude by some.

Why is it rude to point?

Depends where you grew up you were probably instructed by a number of adults long time o not point at others.

Did those adults ever explain exactly why pointing fingers is so rude?

No offense, but probably not.

Everybody knows that adults usually hate explaining things to children because they themselves don’t know the answers. But there is a very specific reason why pointing is considered rude.

There are some instances where pointing is necessary, of course. But, in these cases, it’s always more polite to gesture with an open hand rather than your index finger.

If you point a finger, you likely won’t administer a hex, but you might insult someone or hurt their feelings.

Why it is considered rude to point to people you are talking about at a party/social setting.

 This is because it clearly gives away to everyone present that you are talking about them.

Which in turn makes everyone curious what kind of juicy gossip you have about them. This is just not done.

There is nothing wrong with gossiping about other people, however gossiping about someone should NEVER be done in front of the person you are gossiping about.

 Even the appearance of doing so is very impolite.

Gesture Etiquette from Around the World

Etiquette in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, if you throw up a peace sign with the back of your hand facing forward, it’s incredibly insulting. It’s actually the nonverbal equivalent of “up yours” in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and even Australia.

However, a peace sign with your palm facing away from you is considered harmless.

In Malaysia

There are some instances in the United States where pointing is warranted and acceptable. For example, if someone asks you for directions and you point, “That way,” it’s not considered rude.

In Malaysia, however, pointing with your index finger under any circumstance is considered to be offensive and inappropriate. This is why directions are often given in Malaysia by using an open hand or using the thumb, preferably your right one.

In Thailand

In Thailand, patting someone on the head is considered to be a serious offense.  That in Thailand, the head “is considered the most sacred part of the body.

Pointing with the toe of your foot is also a disgrace, as the feet are considered the filthiest body part. Pointing your feet towards someone, in general, is also rude.

In Iran

In Iran, a thumbs-up means an indecent and insulting remark known as “sit on it”. This is the equivalent of the American middle finger.

In Vietnam

In Vietnam, crossing your fingers is an extremely vulgar hand gesture to make. When you cross your index and middle fingers over each other in Vietnam, it actually represents “genitals,” both male and female.

In the Philippines… you should definitely not make a single-finger beckoning motion. It’s how people summon dogs or animals, so to beckon someone with a finger is incredibly demeaning.

 In the United States, giving someone a thumbs-up is seen as a kind gesture of encouragement.

However, in Iran, a thumbs-up means an indecent and insulting remark known as “sit on it”. This is the equivalent of the American middle finger.

French tend to use their hands a lot and pointing at someone or at a direction instead of identifying it verbally what they look like, where they are situated, is common and actually appreciated.

It is different and more of an issue when you are around a table and point to someone. That would be perceived as aggressive.

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