#W hand sign meaning manual#
#W hand sign meaning tv#

#W hand sign meaning tv#

However, most people agree the name goes back to a local used car salesman, Lippy Espinda, who would throw up the sign at the end of popular TV commercials during the 1960s and 70s, and say, 'Shacka, brah!' ('Shocker, bro!') But no one knows for sure anymore.Īs if the origin of the gesture isn't mysterious enough, the word Shaka isn't even Hawaiian. There are multiple theories as to how he lost his fingers: there was a shark attack, they were blown off while using dynamite to catch fish, or perhaps the digits were lost in an accident while working on a sugar plantation. This became such a common greeting that the natives simply believed that's how the Spanish said hello, so they started using the sign whenever the two groups encountered one another.Īnother theory, from the mid-20th Century, claims the sign was inspired by the wave of a beloved local named Hamana Kalili, who'd lost the middle fingers on one hand. Unable to speak the native tongue, but trying to be friendly, the Spaniards offered to share a drink by mimicking a bottle with their hand with the gesture and tilting back their head. The oldest origin story goes back to the days when Spanish sailors first landed on the Hawaiian Islands. Spock in the recent blockbuster film, had to have his fingers stuck together with the skin-safe superglue used by hospitals as a replacement for traditional stitches. Even the latest pointy-eared Vulcan, actor Zachary Quinto, who played a younger Mr. William Shatner had to have his fingers tied together with fishing line whenever Captain Kirk needed to use the sign. Nimoy had no problem doing the salute, but not all Trek actors have been so lucky. When Nimoy was developing a greeting to be used between Vulcans, he remembered the sign and adapted it, using only one hand held up, and pulling his thumb away from the rest of the hand.

The Orthodox priest giving the blessing holds both hands out in front of him in these strange configurations, palms down. When Nimoy was a child, he witnessed a Jewish ritual called the 'kohane blessing,' which uses a hand sign meant to resemble the Hebrew letter 'shin,' which symbolizes the Hebrew word for 'Shaddai,' meaning 'Almighty (God).' (Got that?) It's made by splitting the hand down the middle-holding the index and middle fingers together, the ring and pinky fingers together-and then the thumb pressed firmly against the side of the hand. And while the gesture is meant to be from another planet, its inspiration is anything but alien. Spock on the original Star Trek, has become a cultural icon recognized even by those who have never been to a sci-fi convention. The Vulcan Salute, made famous by Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Lastly, the Open Hands emoji is often associated with the hip-hop group the Wu-Tang Clan due to its resemblance to the group's 'W' hand sign.We all know it, even if we can't all do it. However, when used in a flirty, steamy, or goofy context, it can connote 'come closer, gimme those/your boobs.' For example, when discussing an off-putting or revolting subject, it can convey a 'stay back' or 'get away from me' connotation. It is worth noting that the meaning of this emoji is highly dependent on the context in which it is used. It can also be used to express innocence, but it should not be confused with the 🤲 Palms Up Together emoji, which represents a double high five. Interestingly, the Open Hands emoji can also convey a lack of care or concern. Additionally, it can illustrate playful activities like making hand shadow puppets or playing with children.

#W hand sign meaning manual#

It can also represent manual labor, such as cleaning the 🏠 House or planting 🌳 Trees. It is commonly used to express hugging, similar to the 🤗 Hugging Face emoji. This versatile emoji can have various meanings depending on the context. The 👐 Open Hands emoji depicts two human hands pointed straight forward in an open position.