Finger (gesture)

In Western cultures, the finger (as in giving someone the finger) is a well known obscene hand gesture made by extending the middle finger of the hand while bending the other fingers into the palm. A known variation includes extending the thumb as well. A variation of the gesture is made by showing someone the back of the hand, with three fingers extended, and telling the recipient to "read between the lines". Another variation includes folding the ring and index fingers alongside the middle finger.

The gesture is also known as the "bird", the "highway salute", and "flipping/flicking someone off". The gesture is mostly used as a non-verbal way of saying "Fuck you". When both hands are used, it is known as the "double-barrel salute", or "double deuce".

In the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, the V sign serves a similar purpose (primarily "Fuck off"), whilst "the bird" is more often used for "up yours", "swivel on it" or "sit and swivel on it".