Pekefinger

Pekefinger is a German slang term for the extended middle finger gesture, used to insult or express hostility. It is informal and considered vulgar in most contexts; its use is more common in everyday speech rather than formal writing. The more neutral anatomical term would be Mittelfinger; another colloquial term is Stinkefinger.

The etymology of Pekefinger is uncertain; it appears in regional dialects and is less standardized than Mittelfinger. Some linguistic observers propose that Pekefinger emerged as a playful or satirical variant of the standard term, but there is no consensus on its origin or exact dating.

In social interactions, showing the Pekefinger communicates contempt or confrontation. The gesture's recognizability means it can escalate disputes and may be inappropriate or even prohibited in professional, educational, or public settings. In some jurisdictions, nonverbal harassment could have legal consequences if part of repeated or targeted behavior.

In digital and media contexts, the Pekefinger is sometimes depicted in cartoons or film subtitles, or represented by text emoticons or emoji to convey insult.