You Should Avoid These Gestures in Italy

Most Italian gestures are harmless—but some are clearly offensive. If you make them by accident, you’ll quickly cause bad blood. It’s best to avoid these hand gestures in Italy.

Le corna – directed at a person

Index and little fingers spread apart, middle fingers tucked in: When held downward or to the side, the corna protection against the evil eye. Focused on one person but do they mean „cornuto“—a cuckolded husband—and are a blatant insult. So it all depends on the context.”.

The middle finger gesture

One fist raised, the other hand slapping the crook of the elbow: The „umbrella“ is a crude insult, comparable to giving someone the middle finger. You see it in traffic—but you should never use it yourself.

Other sensitive gestures

• The Middle Finger – also considered vulgar in Italy.
• Pointing a Finger at People – is considered rude; it’s better to gesture with an open hand.
• Suddenly flick your hand under your chin (mento) – comes across as dismissive or even rude: „Get lost / I don’t care.“.

What, on the other hand, is harmless

Don't worry: You can try out most gestures without hesitation. The famous „What do you want?“ (fingertips pressed together), the finger that traces a circle on the cheek in a gesture of praise, or the „check, please“ sign made in the air are completely unproblematic and are even seen as endearing.

In a Nutshell

Remember these two in particular: the corna never point at a person and the The Umbrella Trick Omit it entirely. The rest is explained in our overview of the Italian gestures – more practical knowledge in the Italian everyday culture.