Obscene gestures - Europe

[iembalm]

Can someone describe to me the most offensive gesture that an Italian man could throw at a Frenchman, and vice versa?

If you could even contribute a few lesser ones I'd appreciate it -- the scene builds.

Thanks in advance.

[Frank Miranda]

Here are a couple of web sites that deal with gestures and body language in French and Italian- some vulger, some not. The Italian one may be dated. Perhaps you can find them of use.

French Language- What You Need to Know About (http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901a.htm?PM=ss13_french)

and

Sicilian Culture (http://www.sicilianculture.com/news/fieldguide.htm)

[iembalm]

That's just what I needed. Thanks much!

[Atkid]

Italy - the horn sign with the hand - the index and pinky finger extended, the middle and ring fingers folded back into the palm - like the heavy metal fans do at Iron Maiden contests.

That's insulting in Italy (got it off a TV advert here).

[alipali]

prodding a frenchman in the ear with your exposed and tumescent genitals is considered bad taste, but in Italy it'll get you free pizza!

[whistlelock]

the horn sign with the hand

There's a UT-Austin urban legend about some freshly graduated Alumni being arrested in a bar in Italy after flashing the Horns. Since that's also the sign for the Longhorns, the UT mascot.

[Frank Miranda]

prodding a frenchman in the ear with your exposed and tumescent genitals is considered bad taste, but in Italy it'll get you free pizza!


Sheesh, I think I'd rather pay...I think....

[whistlelock]

You're willing to pay to have that done? Well, how much?

I mean, that's the question here.

[Frank Miranda]

You're willing to pay to have that done? Well, how much?

I mean, that's the question here.

:rollin
Whoops...freudian slip I guess...I meant pay for the PIZZA! Really, I did.....
:o