Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Both hands up in front of the chest, palms out,
with a shrug means 'I don't know' or 'Hey, it's not
my job'.
A hand wiped across the forehead or just above
the hairline means 'I've had it up to here'.
(
J'en ai ras-le-bol.
)
Using the back of the i ngers to stroke the right cheek
as if it were a beard means
Quelle barbe
or 'What
a bore'.
The i nger tips rubbed together, with the thumbs up,
as if one were feeling fabric, means 'expensive'.
The i ngers together, all reaching skyward, means
'I'm afraid' or 'he's afraid'. (Literal: 'Soft balls, we
can feel them'.) With the reverse kiss, the 'poof',
it is contemptuous commentary roughly equivalent
to 'screw you'.
The same 'poof' with a hand throwing something
over the opposite shoulder means, 'It's nothing; I'm
above this'.
Making a i st with the right hand and stretching out
that arm, then 'breaking' it at the elbow with the left
wrist is equivalent, in other places, to raising one's
middle i nger. (
Va te faire foutre!
or 'Get stuffed!').
Making a i st and shaking it leisurely in front of one's
chest is often used by men to mean 'He's a jerk', and
is really an imitation of 'jerking off'.
You will i nd many more of these colourful phrases
with further observation. The French constantly
speak with their hands and bodies. It is a wonderful
part of their Mediterranean heritage and great fun
to watch in public places. It is one reason why
putting one's hands in one's pockets or even in
one's lap at a meal is considered impolite. It denies
conversation. Keep your wrists resting on the edge
of the table.
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