Skip to content
Common offensive gestures to avoid in Spain and Latin America visualisation

Common offensive gestures to avoid in Spain and Latin America

The Art of Expression: Body Language Insights for Spanish Speakers: Common offensive gestures to avoid in Spain and Latin America
Learn with Comprenders App About Comprenders

Common offensive gestures to avoid in Spain and Latin America include:

In Spain:

  • The middle finger (dedo medio) is very offensive, used like in many other countries to show anger or insult someone.
  • The “cheek screw,” where a finger is twisted on the cheek, is an insult indicating effeminacy and is offensive especially in southern Spain.
  • The “horns” gesture (extending index and pinky) can imply that someone’s partner is cheating, an insult.
  • The “hand purse” gesture can have different meanings but is not offensive in Spain when used properly.
  • The “rock-and-roll” hand gesture with the horn sign is offensive as it implies cuckoldry.
  • The “caradura” gesture (tapping cheek with open palm) means shameless or audacious in a negative way.
  • Pointing directly at someone is rude, as is being overly loud or disrespectful in public.
  • Using a “thumbs up” is generally positive, but overdoing it can be seen as stupid.

In Latin America (varies by country):

  • The “OK” sign (circle of thumb and index finger) can be offensive, often meaning something vulgar.
  • The thumbs-up is generally positive but can be offensive in some regions.
  • Pointing directly at someone is rude.
  • Gestures that mimic beckoning with the palm up are offensive.
  • In Brazil, a variation of the “OK” sign with the back of the hand facing outwards is obscene.
  • Flip-off-like wrist-elbow movements may be playful but can be rude elsewhere.
  • Other gestures like the “devil horns” sign can also be offensive as in Spain.
  • Kissing fingertips as an exaggerated chef’s kiss can be misinterpreted.

Overall, common advice is to avoid using the middle finger, the horns sign pointing at someone, certain types of beckoning gestures, and the OK sign in the offensive form. When in doubt, observing local people and using safe non-offensive gestures like a simple nod or smile is best. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

References

Open the App About Comprenders