OK (Gesture)
The hand gesture performed by connecting the thumb and index finger into a circle (the O), and holding the other fingers straight or relaxed in the air, is a commonly used form of nonverbal communication. In many parts of the world, it is synonymous with the word OK, denoting approval, agreement, or that all is well. In other contexts or cultures, this same gesture may have different meanings or connotations, including negative or offensive ones.
Unicode symbol U+1F44C ( 👌 ) represents this gesture.
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Negative connotation
While the gesture is not positive in some countries, in certain parts of middle and southern Europe (although not in Spain or Portugal) the gesture is considered offensive,[6] as in you are a zero or you are nothing.[not in citation given] The connotation of zero or worthless is known in France and Belgium, while in some Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Tunisia, and Greece, in the Middle East, as well as in Brazil and parts of Germany, and several South American countries, it may be interpreted as a vulgar expression: either an insult (you are an asshole), the slang for anus itself, or an offensive reference to homosexuality.
The gesture is also associated with the circle game, which can range from simple horseplay to deliberate bullying. Players attempt to trick other players into looking at the symbol held below their waist, which then allows them to punch that person.
In most continental European countries, when the sign is placed over the nose, with the nose protruding through the O made by the thumb and forefinger, it means drunk. The origins of this sign may stem from the hand gesture holding a bottle's head while drinking. As a bottle with alcoholic liquid is implied this refers to drinking or the state of being drunk.
In the Arab world, this sign represents the evil eye, and is used as a curse, sometimes in conjunction with verbal cursing.
In the view of some Occultists, it is the number 666, due to the circle and the three fingers behind it. The sign is associated with the Illuminati or Freemasonry by some conspiracy theorists, especially when shown in the media and used by mainstream entertainers.
In some areas both the positive "OK" and the negative forms are practiced, which can lead to confusion over which meaning is intended.
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