DAILY DIRT: Never cross your fingers in Vietnam, and other helpful hints for those who like to travel

December 8, 2024 | By Steve Eighinger Muddy River News Minister of Culture and Doctor of Love

Daily Dirt for Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024

Wait until you get to the part about old Roman toothpaste … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,136 of The Daily Dirt.

1. In the United States, giving someone a “thumbs up” or making a “horn shape” with your fingers are usually considered to be friendly gestures.

But in other countries, those hand signals might have an entirely different and potentially insulting meaning.

“When traveling abroad, you should always be aware of local customs and etiquette rules,” warns writer Bennett Kleinman of dailypassport.com. “Rather than risk offending a local, take some time to learn about what’s considered impolite before you travel to an unfamiliar location.”

For starters, here are six common hand gestures that you should avoid using in certain countries.

1. The “V” sign

In the U.S., holding your index and middle finger in the shape of a “V” with your palm facing out is known as the peace sign. In the United Kingdom, that same gesture stands for “victory,” and it was popularized by Winston Churchill as a gesture to convey hope during World War II.

“On your travels to countries such as Australia and New Zealand, however, be careful to avoid turning your palm inward,” reports Kleinman. “That’s because making a ‘V’ sign with the back of your hand facing out is akin to telling someone, ‘Up yours!'”

2. Crossing your fingers

Crossing your fingers brings you the opposite of good luck in Vietnam, because the gesture is understood to be deeply offensive.

“Locals liken the appearance of crossed fingers to a part of the female anatomy, which has earned the gesture its unfortunate connotation,” Kleinman says. “If you’re looking to wish someone good luck while traveling through Vietnam, just say chúc may mắn instead.”

Or just don’t go to Vietnam to start with.

3. Those ‘horns’ don’t always mean ‘Rock On!’

For Americans, making a horn shape with your index and pinky fingers outstretched generally means, “Rock on!” But in Italy and other Mediterranean countries, the sign of the horns can be considered taboo, depending on how you use it.

“If you keep the fingers pointed downward, it’s a gesture of good luck that’s used to ward off evil,” Kleinman writes. “But if you point the ‘horns’ at someone or raise your fingers toward the sky, then the gesture is considered highly offensive. Wagging your hand around adds further insult, so avoid it at all costs.”

(But what if you run into a Texas football fan? Hook ’em ‘Horns, bay-bee!)

2. Did you know (Part 210)

That in ancient Rome people used crushed mouse brains as toothpaste. Wow. So much for that early dental hygiene thing.
That it’s official — McDonald’s is bringing back McCrispy Snack Wraps in 2025. The Golden Arches tested their new chicken strips in North Carolina earlier this year and customers loved them. No exact date has been given for their 2025 arrival.
That Johnny Cash also recorded “Ring of Fire” in Spanish (“Anillo De Fuego”). Both versions were released in 1963.
That the Rolling Stones also recorded “As Tears Go By” in English in 1965, plus an Italian version (“Con Le Mie Lacrime”) in 1966.
That another iconic fast-food restaurant was given birth to in Kentucky besides KFC. Would you believe Long John Silver’s seafood restaurant was started in Lexington, Ky., in 1969? Well, you should.