Mixed Metaphors: January 2016

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.

Kinetic Summons

"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.

Annoyance

Seriousness

Plato emphasizing his point, detail
from the School of Athens, Raphael, 1509

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.

The late David Bowie

Performance exclamation

Exclamation!

Sports elation

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.

Finger cocked

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.