We’ve all seen it somewhere: a closed fist, with the thumb tucked under the index and middle fingers. A tiny, almost childlike gesture… yet one laden with surprisingly rich symbolism. Somewhat forgotten today, this gesture has transcended ages, regions, and even families. It sometimes expressed “no,” sometimes “protect yourself,” sometimes “I’m just kidding.” So, how did a simple folded thumb manage to tell so many stories? That’s what we’re going to discover together.

A polite but firm “no” from another era

Going back a few generations, the fig sign was mainly used to express a refusal without being abrupt. A way of saying “you won’t get anything from me” while avoiding tension.

In many 19th-century French villages, it was used discreetly to deflect a request, calm insistence, or express disagreement without raising one’s voice. Imagine an overly curious neighbor or a persistent salesperson: a simple gesture from behind the window was enough to say it all. No outburst, no conflict… just a subtle, ironic gesture.

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