Shaka sign

The word Shaka, accompanied by a typical hand position, when the closed fist is raised with abgespreiztem thumb and little finger (see illustration) is a very commonly used in Hawaii and by acquisition by the local surfers under these athletes gesture that on various occasions is needed, and about means as much as " Cool! ", " loose ", "Alright ". For windsurfing, the character is very widely used as a greeting and is called " Hang Loose ". Here, however, this greeting has a very real application: the splayed fingers stand for the trapeze rope and the fist for the hook of the trapezoid, with which there hangs the windsurfers (see also Windsurfing technology). This allows the surfer relieve the poor and keep up with his body weight to sail pressure of the wind, he "hangs" in the sail.

The exact origin is not ultimately saved, but there are a number of theories. According to the Polynesian Cultural Center as well as a search of newspaper Honolulu Star Bulletin at least the hand signal goes back to the Hawaiians Kalili Hamana († 1940 ), which on one hand missing three fingers.

Where did the reputation accompanying stirred, is unclear. The fricative contained suggests that he but probably does not come from the Hawaiian language.

The combination of gesture and exclamation was from Hawaiian television performer David Lippy ' Espinda († 1975) often used in his television appearances. The Hawaiian politician Frank Fasi used it in his election campaigns since the 1970s.

The 44th U.S. President Barack Obama used this gesture to greet the delegates from Hawaii - he grew up in Hawaii.

The Brazilian football player and two-time world footballer Ronaldinho took this gesture often after scoring a goal. However, he waved both his hands even more.

Hang Loose is a registered trademark in Germany.