Victoria (gesture)
In modern English-speaking states and countries, a similar gesture shown by the outside of the brush to the viewer is a rude gesture of expressing contempt. The "medieval" origin of this gesture is allegedly tied to the times of the Hundred Years' War: captured English and Welsh archers, who awed the French, cut off these two fingers on their right hand so that they could not use the bow normally in the future. The archers, knowing this, teased the French before the battle, showing them whole fingers — "Be afraid, enemies!".

Also, showing the reverse side of the gesture can be an insulting order to shut up in the sense of being silent.

andrei-1 wrote: Sat Aug 31, 2024 8:28 pm Victoria (gesture)

I was told americans did this to japanese after world war 2, signifying the 2 nukes that were dropped...
when they would get the old contemptful 'gaijin'

Tradehunter wrote: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:02 am

Yes, someone was lucky. The rest went to work at the factory.

Great site, great people.