Middle finger

The middle finger (Latin: Digitus medius ) is part of the hand, average of five fingers, so the third, and is located between the index finger and ring finger. The middle finger is generally the longest finger of the hand and supported by three phalanx bone. In most primates, including humans, the middle finger is the strongest finger. Therefore, the middle finger plays an important role in grasping, where the focus usually is on this finger.

The middle finger can be compared to the other fingers moved relatively autonomous, although the mobility does not reach the thumb and forefinger. Therefore, the middle finger may be partially replace the function of the index finger.

Gestures

In many cultures, especially in Europe, is the out of the palm upwards out spread middle finger ( the middle finger ) of that an insult, which it is shown, and has the older bird show ( to tap with the index finger to his temple ) partially detached.

In England, the middle finger raised, together with the index finger, an insulting gesture. This is true but only if the addressee of the back of the hand is facing. According to legend, is a relic from the Hundred Years War. Since the middle finger was used for tensioning the tendon of the English longbow, and the shooter could therefore be detected by the thick calluses, the French threatened to allegedly refuse him this. Hence the phrase " the thick Pointing ".

Music

Playing a musical instrument

When playing the piano, the middle finger is called the third finger, while in other stringed instruments of the middle finger of the gripping hand is considered as the second finger. With the guitar and related instruments of the middle finger of the picking hand with M is called ( for mid ).

Snap of the fingers

The snap of the fingers (also: finger snapping ) is a noise that is generated similar to the clapping by middle finger and palm and ring finger. Here, middle finger and thumb are pressed firmly together. This voltage is then released abruptly, so that the middle finger hits against the heel of the hand and the ring finger.

It is used as a rhythm crucial element in music or as an invitation to one of his subordinates to effect ropes; the latter is nowadays perceived as highly arrogant.

Swell

  • Posner, Roland, Reinhard Krüger, Thomas Noll, and Massimo Serenari ( in preparation): Berliner lexicon of everyday gestures. Berlin: Berlin Verlag, Galileo ( Pro7 )
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