For example, the word for turning also means turning a limb in question on the joint, but doing the modern thumbs-down gesture involves turning the wrist, not the thumb. “‘Turning the thumb’ is ...

The popular idea that thumbs up meant mercy and thumbs down meant death is a modern misconception. Ancient references describe a turned thumb gesture associated with killing, while mercy may have been ...

Let’s take our history of hand gestures back to the basics, starting with the good ol’ handshake. Whether you’re greeting someone for the first time, closing a deal or making amends, shaking hands is ...