Common Gestures in English and What They Mean

Communication is not only about words and sentences. Much of what we say is expressed through gestures, body language, and facial expressions. The way we move our hands, stand, or react with our face often communicates emotions and attitudes more powerfully than speech.

In English, many gestures have become part of everyday language. People often describe reactions by referring to gestures instead of directly naming the emotion. For example, instead of saying he was confused, someone might say he scratched his head.

Below are some common English gestures and their meanings.

1. Scratch One’s Head

Meaning: Confusion or lack of understanding.
Example: The students were scratching their heads during the lesson—it was too complicated.

2. Lick or Smack One’s Lips

Meaning: Excitement, especially about food, but also about opportunities.
Example: The investors were licking their lips at the company’s success.

3. Rub One’s Hands Together

Meaning: Anticipation, excitement, or greed.
Example: The salesman rubbed his hands together before closing the deal.

4. Shrug One’s Shoulders

Meaning: Not caring, indifference, or staying in a bad mood.
Example: When asked to help, the boy just shrugged his shoulders.

5. Make a Face

Meaning: Negative reaction or dislike.
Example: She made a face when offered extra work with her promotion.

6. Cross One’s Fingers

Two meanings:
- Wishing someone good luck. (I’ll cross my fingers for your interview.)
- Not telling the truth (childish excuse). (I was crossing my fingers—it didn’t count.)

7. Give a Thumbs Up

Meaning: Approval, permission, or encouragement.
Example: The government gave the thumbs up for the project.

8. Raise or Throw One’s Hands in the Air

Meaning: Giving up, surrender, or frustration.
Example: The mother threw her hands in the air after arguing with her child.

9. Plug One’s Ears

Meaning: Refusing to listen.
Example: The teenager plugged his ears while his parents scolded him.

10. Stomp One’s Feet

Meaning: Anger or childish frustration.
Example: The boss stomped his feet when told about the delay.

11. Sit on One’s Hands

Meaning: Doing nothing, refusing to help, or stubbornness.
Example: She just sat on her hands instead of helping with the task.

12. Twiddle One’s Thumbs

Meaning: Being bored, restless, or having nothing to do.
Example: He sat in the waiting room twiddling his thumbs.

Why These Gestures Matter

These expressions are not only physical but also linguistic shortcuts. When someone reports a reaction, they might say the gesture instead of the feeling. Understanding them makes English conversation richer, more visual, and closer to how native speakers express themselves.