A pentadactyl adventure
© Meredith Mullins

The Cultural Traditions of Finger Names Around the World

The finger has a long history. No, not THAT finger—that one that always seems to come to mind first.

The finger in the broader, pentadactyl sense. The five fingers of the hand.

We humans aren’t the only folks in the world with fingers. Many in the animal kingdom have five-fingered limbs, from monkeys and apes to rats and bats to pandas and birds.

We humans are not alone in our pentadactyl digits.
© iStock/Kilted Arab

But we humans have given our fingers names to distinguish them from one another. And the uses of our fingers have evolved according to cultural traditions and lifestyle. That makes us unique.

So . . . let’s have some wordplay adventures by getting to know the fingers in all their cultural glory.

Timeless beauty: The power of our fingers.
© Meredith Mullins
(Sculpture by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux)

The Thumb

Is the thumb a finger? It depends on who you ask. It is, however, easy to recognize and is usually considered the #1 digit.

Many of the word origins for the thumb paint a vivid visual picture. The Latin name (also the medical term) is pollex, which most likely comes from pollere, meaning “to be strong.” In Italian, the thumb is pollice and in French it’s le pouce, both taken from the same root.

A pollex that belies the moniker “the swollen one.”
© Meredith Mullins
(Sculpture by Alexandre Schoenewerk)

In Old English, the root tum is taken from teue, which means “to swell.” Thus, the thumb becomes “the swollen one.” In Greek, one thumb term is antikheir, which literally means “the opposite of fingers.”

In other cultures, the name reflects a function—demonstrating strength as “the ram finger,” being practical as “the lice killer,” or earning respect as “the grandfather,” “the father,” or “the head finger.”

The expressive thumbs
© Meredith Mullins

Using the thumb as a part of our universal sign language is common. A thumbs up or thumbs down sign can quickly communicate approval and disapproval, but be careful in crossing cultures, as a thumbs up is an insult in some African and Middle Eastern countries.

Perhaps a more universal (and dexterous) use of the thumbs is the fine art of texting. Harder than it looks for the over 40 crowd.

Thumbs take on new jobs in the 21st century.
© Meredith Mullins

The Index Finger

The #2 finger is most commonly called the index finger in English. This name comes from the Latin indico, which means to point out. Not surprisingly this finger is also known as “the pointing finger.”

The pointing finger
© Meredith Mullins
(Sculpture by Jules Lafrance)

People have been pointing at things throughout history using this finger, from art to war. From God pointing at Adam to give him life in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel to Uncle Sam saying “I want you,” this digitus secundus manus is a powerful tool.

The ultimate use of the pointing finger
© iStock/Tony Baggett

You will see this finger throughout religion. For example, when a Muslim raises the index finger, it is a symbol of the unity of Allah. However, this gesture has taken on a more sinister meaning when used by terrorist groups.

In other functional settings, the forefinger is called “the trigger finger,” “the teacher,” and, for cooks, it is invariably the “pot licker.”

Even though this finger has been directing our attention for centuries, pointing with the index finger is considered rude in many cultures. To be safe, gesture with your whole hand.

Be careful with your pointing finger. It can be rude in some cultures. (Here, it’s all in fun.)
© Meredith Mullins

This finger can also be used to call someone over, by curling the finger toward you. Because this gesture is sometimes named “the dog call,” you might see how this could be insulting. In many cultures it is considered rude.

The Middle Finger

It’s difficult to talk about this finger (or show this finger) without conjuring its connotation—the one-finger salute—an insult throughout most of the world.

The digitus medius sits in the center of the hand and is the longest finger. So, “middle finger,” “tall finger,”“long finger” and “the tree” are all apt nicknames.

In this sculpture, the middle finger deserves its name as “the tree” or “the tall finger.”
© Meredith Mullins
(Sculpture by Paul Dubois)

This finger’s primary claim to fame in the modern world is as an obscene gesture (the Romans called this digit digitus impudicus or the shameless finger), but it is also known as “the balance wheel of the hand”—a more spiritual definition.

The Ring Finger

The fourth finger in most parts of the world is the finger where a romantic ring finds its home, usually indicating a commitment to marriage or, at least, an engagement or romantic link.

The practice of using the digitus anulus (latin for ring finger) began in medieval times, when it was believed that this finger had a vein that was connected to the heart (the Vena Amoris or Vein of Love in Latin).

A direct connection to the heart?
© Meredith Mullins

Even Neanderthals believed in a ring to signify commitment. They would weave twigs and grasses to be worn by their mate.

The meaning of a ring on the left-hand or right-hand ring finger is dependent on the culture, but in most cases, it does signify love.

For example, in China, a woman’s wedding ring is worn on the right hand since the right hand exerts more influence in that culture. An engagement ring is worn on the middle finger. In India, the right hand is auspicious and therefore the best place for a ring.

A right hand or left hand ring position depends on the culture.
© Meredith Mullins

This finger was not just romantic. It was also medical. Doctors used this digitus medicinalis to apply medicines, so the names “healing finger” and “heart finger” have also been used.

In Japan, this finger is called kusuri yubi (medicine finger). It was used only to take powdered medicines and therefore stayed relatively clean for medicinal purposes.

The freedom to deputize any finger as a ring finger
© Meredith Mullins

The Pinky

The smallest of the fingers—the digitus minimus manus—has names that all imply its size. The term pinky itself comes from Dutch, meaning small.

It is sometimes called the baby or the youngest child (for those cultures that name the fingers after family members). And, because it sticks out, it is sometimes called the orphan.

The “orphan”
© Meredith Mullins
(Sculpture by Hippolyte Moulin)

In French, it’s called l‘auriculaire (the ear finger—good for cleaning the ear) or le petit doigt, the little finger. And in Turkish, it’s poetically called the sparrow finger after one of the smallest of birds.

What is the pinky’s purpose? If you believe emojis, the raised pinky signifies something fancy or classy—the ultimate in etiquette.

What functions in etiquette does the pinky serve?
© Meredith Mullins

If you’ve been to an upscale tea party, the raised pinky might be a sign of a refined upbringing or obnoxious elitism, depending on your perspective. Or it may just be a matter of muscle. Put your thumb and forefinger together with great pressure and watch what your pinky does.

Be careful, though. In China, an extended pinky is the same as a thumbs down sign.

The most heartfelt purpose might be to pinky swear, which is when pinkies are locked together to confirm a deep commitment to whatever thought or act is being considered.

The pinky swear
© Meredith Mullins

Cultural Diversity

It’s clear that wordplay related to our human digits comes from diverse places of origin and relates to the size, shape, and use of each finger. It’s also clear that the use of fingers, especially as signs and symbols can vary based on cultural traditions.

What is the “Oh, I see” moment? For any savvy traveler, just be sure you study the culture before you start using the expressive power of your hands.

The peace sign has become universal. If you reverse your palm, however,
it is an insult in many parts of the world.
© Meredith Mullins

As Nelson Mandela said, “It’s in your hands to make the world a better place.”

Comment on this post below, or inspire insight with your own OIC Moment here.

Special thanks to Jeanette and Christine for making this story possible.