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UK tourists in Turkey, Greece, Italy face criminal record over innocent hand gesture

The hand gesture in question is commonly known as the “fig sign.” It involves sticking the thumb between the index and middle fingers to form a shape resembling a fig.

The hand gesture in question is commonly known as the “fig sign.” It involves sticking the thumb between the index and middle fingers to form a shape resembling a fig.
The hand gesture in question is commonly known as the “fig sign.” It involves sticking the thumb between the index and middle fingers to form a shape resembling a fig.

Turkey, Greece, and Italy are imposing harsh penalties for offensive hand gestures warning UK holidaymakers in the European Union to stay vigilant and avoid costly legal consequences.

The hand gesture in question is commonly known as the “fig sign.” It involves sticking the thumb between the index and middle fingers to form a shape resembling a fig.


In Turkish culture, the fig sign is often interpreted as offensive and disrespectful. It can imply vulgar references and might also be taken as a sign that someone is ready to engage in a fight.


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According to Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code, publicly making insulting gestures is punishable by law, and offenders can face prosecution. Italy and Greece carry similar punishments.

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"Even minor confrontations can escalate quickly in Turkey if the wrong gesture is used," Ski Vertigo said. "Police won’t hesitate to get involved if someone claims they were insulted."

One Reddit user wrote: "Well, apparently its name is the Fig Sign and has been used as a mild insult since ancient Rome by a variety of cultures. My guess is when Turks conquered Byzantine lands (which was technically still the Roman Empire, Byzantines called themselves Romans) it was still in use and Turks adopted it to their culture too."

"It's actually an insult, here is what it's used for," explained a second. "First of all, it means "nah" in turkish which is just a pretty insulting combination of "f*** you", "my answer is obvious you dumbass" and "no"."

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It means all of these sentences at the same time and has no other meaning, some kids will use it like a middle finger because they only care about the "f*** you" part, so don't bother to tell them they are using it wrong," said the user.

Another typed: "The fig sign is a mildly obscene gesture used at least since the Roman Age in Italy, Southern Europe, parts of the Mediterranean region, including in Turkish culture, and has also been adopted by Slavic cultures and South Africa.

"The gesture uses a thumb wedged in between two fingers. This gesture is most commonly used to ward off the evil eye, insult someone, or deny a request. Because of its origins in Southern Europe or Latin Europe, the gesture was imported to Latin America."

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