There’s probably no limit to the variety of hand gestures you could dream up, everything from
sign language to dance moves to assorted
hand-face motions*. But it’s the second or index finger, alone or in combination with the others, that seems to play a predominant role.
Babies begin to communicate by pointing around the age of one year.
Dogs and
elephants likewise understand designatory finger pointing, suggesting a degree of inter-species similarity. Pointing is sometimes used as a
reminder or fail-safe measure. And sometimes it can seem downright
pointless.
Indeed, pointing with the index finger can suggest a great many things. Consider the following:
Designation: In both of these photos, President Obama is likely selecting questioners during a White House press conference or some such occasion. You can intelligibly designate anything by pointing this way provided the context is obvious, explained, or at least implied (which might involve humor). Basic point designation can also be used for acknowledgement or giving directions.
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"I want you!" |
Compulsory Designation, Kinetic Summons: Although the caption, “I want you!”, was typically added for emphasis, the image speaks for itself. Uncle Sam is rallying citizens to civic duty. During World War II, this meant enlistment in the military. The kinetic summons -- alternately bending and pointing the finger -- might have been used instead but would have been less persuasive.
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Annoyance |
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Seriousness |
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Plato emphasizing his point, detail
from the School of Athens, Raphael, 1509
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Emphasis, Exclamation!: Here the speaker or performer is, well, making a point. There may be overtones of elation, seriousness, or even annoyance. Some
folks are known to make a lot of points.
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The late David Bowie |
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Performance exclamation |
Exclamation!
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Sports elation |
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Elation |
Elation is a variation of exclamation. It's sometimes said to represent a mystic connection with the divine, but this seems too much of a stretch for what's depicted here.
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Finger cocked |
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Finger launched |
Anger
Anger or Condemnation: Note how the finger is cocked and then thrust forward like an arrow or spear. This is to ensure that you get the point. Context in these cases, though usually obvious, may sometimes be cryptic as when an angry finger comes pointing at you through the wall.
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This woman could be signaling that she wants
only one of something or for her interlocutor to
“wait one moment.”
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D. Trump frequently reminds the public
that he's #1 -- which seems to be his main
point overall.
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Enumeration: Symbolizes #1
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"Buy two, get one free..." |
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"I always shop at blah, blah, blah" |
Advertising: These poses are ersatz variations of exclamation
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God & Adam |
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Pumpkinhead & Maggie |
Imagination
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Accusation or Censure: J’accuse
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Discovery: Eureka!
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Glee or Amusement: May include an
element of ridicule or disparagement
depending upon context.
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Frat Boy Bravado: “Yo, bro.”
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serious depending on context
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Bird Watching: “It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…a bird.”
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So many points, so little time |
I hope you've enjoyed the post! But if this
-- or perchance even this! -- is all that comes to mind, it may be time for you to
*Legend for hand-face motions