Stinkefinger

Stinkefinger, also known as the middle finger gesture, is a hand signal in which the middle finger is raised upright while the other fingers are curled into the palm. The gesture is typically used to express contempt, insult, defiance, or provocation, and can be directed at a person or group. Depending on context, it may be accompanied by a taunt or other expressive actions, and its impact depends on cultural norms and the relationship between the people involved.

Name and etymology: In German, the term Stinkefinger literally translates to “stinky finger,” and is a colloquial label for the middle finger. The standard name Mittelfinger simply means “middle finger.”

History: Similar gestures have ancient roots; the Latin term digitus impudicus describes the obscene finger gesture, reflecting long-standing associations with insult. In modern Western culture, the middle finger has been a common insult since at least the 19th and 20th centuries and has become widely recognizable through media and popular culture.

Cultural usage: In many societies the gesture is regarded as rude or vulgar, and its acceptability varies by setting. It may be used in street contexts, protests, sports, humor, or personal disputes. The gesture can have legal or disciplinary consequences if directed at a person in a workplace or public setting, and in some jurisdictions can be treated as harassment or insult.

Variations and related gestures: Other cultures use different gestures to convey contempt, so interpretations can vary. The middle finger remains a widely recognized symbol of disrespect in many Western cultures, though its meaning and severity may differ by context.