2. The thumbs-up sign does not mean “that’s great” in Australia as it does here. It isn’t in NZ though, so you can safely thumbs up to your hearts content. So … What it really means: Thumbs up … In Iran, Greece, Russia, Sardinia, and parts of West Africa the thumbs up is as rude as the middle finger is in the UK. So no posing in front of the Parthenon making the thumbs up gesture like a nerdy tourist. 2. “Rock on” Thumbs-Up. I have never heard that thumbs up is offensive in Australia. In many areas of the world a thumbs up signal is interpreted as meaning “Okay” or “I agree.” However, in Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria, South America, the Middle East and … Turkey: An obscene gesture similar to the middle finger, and is also used to show disagreement or to deny a request. 20 Things You're Saying That You Didn Finally, there are often very specific gestures that may be used during a conversation. Offensive in: Greece, France, Spain, Brazil, Portugal, and Mexico. This metal sign roughly resembles a bull’s head. The thumbs-up. 1. Thumbs In the Philippines, this rude hand gesture is … The most offensive gestures around the world revealed in infogaphic Some of the things people from the US might do could be considered rude in other countries around the world . Things Americans Do That Are Rude Around the World - Insider Holding your palms out in Greece. Although all textbooks in international business emphasize the importance of culture, the survey reveals serious weaknesses at all three levels, including straightforward errors of … Since the 'thumbs up' in Australia, Greece, and the Middle … Giving someone the thumbs up is not like flipping them the … gestures that can be offensive around the world It's considered a curse in some African countries, and is clearly an … why is a thumbs up offensive? Thumbs up: The thumbs up sign is not exactly the problem in Ghana, but if you move your thumb up and down, the gesture is similar to giving the middle finger. This is considered extremely offensive in the Philippines – never use it. In what country does thumbs up offensive? Don't brush your hand under your chin in Belgium and refrain from crossing your arms in Finland.