Quiz – Brazilian Hand Gestures 3

Whoop! It’s Friday (in case you hadn’t realised). Back in my IT days we used to describe any obviously crappy or hurriedly written piece of software as a ‘Friday Afternoon Package’ to reflect the fact that during most Friday afternoons, people (especially software programmers) are more interested in watching funny clips on YouTube or playing online games than doing actual work. 

Friday Afternoon Package…

Well, as my little contribution to your very own Friday Afternoon Package of procrastination and ineptitude, here is the third in the series of Brazilian Hand Gesture quizzes. 

As before, check out the video first and see if you can guess what it might mean. Then read the explanation below. It probably doesn’t even require this explanation does it? It’s just that I like to drop in a little text before we get going with the quiz. OK, here goes:

Looks a bit naughty this one doesn’t it? Two fingers rubbing up alongside each other like that. Well, it’s nothing that suggestive. This is used to indicate that two people are very close to each other – perhaps they have a special relationship, doing favours or sharing information which they wouldn’t do for/with other people. 

First time I saw this I was utterly baffled. What is that? Once it was explained to me it made complete sense and I’m sorry to say that this particular gesture comes up quite a lot in Brazil. The flat hand on top represent a table or desk. The hand underneath is sweeping cash or other ill-gotten gains underneath. So this one represents stealing and/or corruption. I am told there should be a little more grabbing motion with the hand, but hopefully you get the idea. 


OK, I hope that has helped you kill a few minutes when you should have been working. I won’t tell your boss if you don’t tell mine…