We've got the middle finger; the peace sign; the Shocker (don't ask unless you're over 16); plus counless gang signs, rap gestures, and ASL (American Sign Language). I'd like to see a gesture of apology come into mainstream use, an antethisis of the finger, if you will. I had a point when I was out on the road tonight when I would have liked to have it availible.-- Eugene, Apr 05 2003 Something like this has been discussed here before. http://www.halfbake...idea/Apology_20Flag [Gwenanda, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004] The Shocker! http://www.samruby....Shocker/shocker.htmNot quite what you are talking about. [Jinbish, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004] Hand up, palm facing recipient, shrug shoulders, give sheepish smile. That's not a suggestion; that's it. Baked.
*Sigh* Okay, what's the Shocker, and why is it capitalized?-- snarfyguy, Apr 05 2003 one:I'd like a gesture that can be used quickly, that the other person can see easily. It was dark. Two: The Shocker is capitilized to set it apart, basically. It just is. to sign the Shocker, you take your thumb and hold your ring finger down with it. Hold your index and middle finger against each other. And just think about where that goes! In a sexual way. I'm sure you'll get it after a while. *snicker*
God, that's so juvinile of me.-- Eugene, Apr 05 2003 And all these years I thought the Shocker involved shuffling across library carpets.-- thumbwax, Apr 05 2003 I argue that the gesture of apology is the shrug, accompanied by hands up, palms facing away from the intended sign target, and a (possibly sheepish) smile.
Works for me.-- bristolz, Apr 05 2003 In both examples, both hands are being removed from the wheel, presumably while the vehicle is still in motion. This may be the precursor for another reason to be even more sorry.-- jurist, Apr 06 2003 What would be the proposed sorry gesture?-- smileydudette, Apr 06 2003 An 'L' made with the thumb and index finger placed on forehead, indicating "I'm a loser."-- Cedar Park, Apr 06 2003 Why do you think this is a bad idea Cedar Park?-- smileydudette, Apr 06 2003 In the UK I've noticed that the "thank you" gesture (brief lift of hand in acknowledgement, palm forwards) is used more and more as an acknowledgement of being in the wrong - as if to say "Thank you for your patience" - sometimes accompanied by a brief submissive nod. When dark, the quick right-left flick of the indicators substitutes for both gestures (thank you/sorry) for cars behind, a very brief flick of the main lights for cars in front.
So baked - but croissant anyway for bringing it to public notice.-- egbert, Apr 06 2003 I don't think this is a bad idea, nor am I making assumptions about its author. I am suggesting a solution for the problem you pose. Telling someone you're sorry usually involves something you did wrong, and hence, you are the 'loser'.-- Cedar Park, Apr 06 2003 [egbert] I don't live in the UK. What do you think about one for us Americans?-- smileydudette, Apr 06 2003 Hands up, smiling, palms facing recipient of gesture is a universal acknowledgement of non-threatening-ness. So universal, in fact, that it's what you do when you get too close to potentially hostile apes in the wild, or so I've read. They understand this as a gesture of submission - just don't show your teeth.
In my previous anno, only one hand is raised, under the presumption that this is being done while driving.-- snarfyguy, Apr 06 2003 Smiley, why can't you do the same - you do have a gesture for "thanks"?-- egbert, Apr 06 2003 Woiks fer me... I'll give it a shot and let you know how that goes.-- thumbwax, Apr 06 2003 I liked the "L" sign. But my notion (invented just now) would be a hand extended forward, thumb up and fingers out, as if offering to shake hands. Accompanied by and apolegetic grin, if you like, and add the L sign. And a shrug. You can never be too apolegetic.-- Eugene, Apr 06 2003 T?-- po, Apr 06 2003 L as in "I'm sorry, I guess I'm just a loser."-- Eugene, Apr 06 2003 Thanks, po. Milk no sugar.-- egbert, Apr 07 2003 Flatten palm and fingers of right hand into a karate chop shape. Raise hand, thumbside first, diagonally accross right side of forehead. Lower again sharply.
This was invented by the Americans some time ago, but popularized in the first Gulf War. I believe they are still doing it today.-- FloridaManatee, Apr 07 2003 Or three fingers spread downward like a peace symbol.-- FarmerJohn, Apr 07 2003 No, I mean like a salute to a crispy comrade-- FloridaManatee, Apr 07 2003 Oh. I thought you meant the "D'oh!" headslap.-- egbert, Apr 07 2003 A Rimmer-esque salute (Red Dwarf) would make the angered party think your demented, they would feel sorry for you.-- silverstormer, Apr 07 2003 Haha. Croissant for making me remember westssssssssssssside-ing wiggers as we drove by them.-- rapid transit, May 19 2003 random, halfbakery