<P> In Western culture , the finger or the middle finger ( as in giving someone the ( middle ) finger or the bird or flipping someone off ) is an obscene hand gesture . The gesture communicates moderate to extreme contempt , and is roughly equivalent in meaning to `` fuck off , '' `` fuck you , '' `` shove it up your ass , '' `` up yours , '' or `` go fuck yourself . '' It is performed by showing the back of a hand that has only the middle finger extended upwards , though in some locales , the thumb is extended . Extending the finger is considered a symbol of contempt in several cultures , especially in the West . Many cultures use similar gestures to display their disrespect , although others use it to express pointing without intentional disrespect toward other cultures . The gesture is usually used to express contempt but can also be used humorously or playfully . </P>
<P> In Western culture , the finger or the middle finger ( as in giving someone the ( middle ) finger or the bird or flipping someone off ) is an obscene hand gesture . The gesture communicates moderate to extreme contempt , and is roughly equivalent in meaning to `` fuck off , '' `` fuck you , '' `` shove it up your ass , '' `` up yours , '' or `` go fuck yourself . '' It is performed by showing the back of a hand that has only the middle finger extended upwards , though in some locales , the thumb is extended . Extending the finger is considered a symbol of contempt in several cultures , especially in the West . Many cultures use similar gestures to display their disrespect , although others use it to express pointing without intentional disrespect toward other cultures . The gesture is usually used to express contempt but can also be used humorously or playfully . </P>
what does the middle finger mean in america
what does the middle finger mean in america
`` fuck off , '' `` fuck you , '' `` shove it up your ass , '' `` up yours , '' or `` go fuck yourself . ''
`` fuck off , '' `` fuck you , '' `` shove it up your ass , '' `` up yours , '' or `` go fuck yourself . ''