human beings naturally use small gestures while speaking and interacting, yet there is no universal agreement on what each gesture means.
for example, shaking the head from side to side typically signals disagreement for most people around the world. however, in parts of the indian subcontinent, the same gesture can indicate agreement or acceptance.

similarly, placing a finger on the temple is often interpreted as a sign that someone is thinking, while in other contexts it may carry an entirely different meaning.
a report published in the times highlighted that many everyday gestures have long and fascinating histories, gradually evolving into the meanings we recognize today. some date back thousands of years, while others have only become widespread in recent decades through travel, globalization, and media influence.
here are five familiar examples of how we communicate without words:
1. the thumbs-up sign: this gesture is widely used to indicate approval, endorsement, or that everything is fi ne. it is also commonly used as an icon in mobile messaging applications.

it is often believed to have originated in ancient rome, where crowds supposedly used thumbs-up or thumbs down gestures to decide the fate of defeated gladiators. however, this interpretation is widely disputed and considered inaccurate. the modern meaning of the thumbs up gesture developed later, emerging in english-speaking countries in the early 20th century as a sign of approval.

it became especially widespread during the two world wars, when allied pilots used it to mean “ready” or “fully prepared.” since then, it has become one of the most recognizable hand gestures in the world, although it is still considered inappropriate in some cultures.

2. the peace sign (v gesture): this gesture, made by raising the index and middle fingers in a “v” shape, is today commonly used as an informal sign of peace, friendliness, or greeting. however, its meaning has evolved significantly over time. it first gained widespread popularity during world war ii, when british prime minister winston churchill popularized it as a symbol of “victory.” media coverage and wartime propaganda helped reinforce this meaning, and it came to represent resilience and triumph.

later, in the 1960s, the same gesture was reinterpreted by anti-war movements, particularly in the united states during the vietnam war era. it became associated with peace rather than military victory, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward nonviolence.

3. waving: the act of waving, whether to greet someone or say goodbye, is almost instinctive, though its exact origins are difficult to trace. it may have developed from early human signals used to indicate peaceful intent. the underlying idea is the display of an open hand to show that a person is unarmed and poses no threat.

today, waving is used across the world as a friendly gesture, although its style and frequency can vary from one culture to another.

4. the handshake: the handshake is one of the most common gestures in both professional and social settings. it is used to greet others, confirm agreements, and express mutual respect. its history dates back thousands of years and it is widely regarded as a symbol of trust, agreement, and equality.

today, handshakes remain common across the world, although customs vary significantly. the strength, duration, and accompanying gestures differ across regions and cultures. in some societies, the handshake is light or paired with a bow, while in others it is firmer and held for longer.

5. shrugging or raising the shoulders with palms up: shrugging is a common nonverbal gesture used to express uncertainty, lack of knowledge, indifference, or resignation. it is often paired with phrases such as “i don’t know” or “who knows?” to reinforce the meaning.

its purpose is to visually reinforce that the person does not have an answer or a definite position. as a purely nonverbal gesture, and more common in western cultures, it is often described in english as a “shrug,” derived from the idea of drawing the shoulders upward in a small, contracted motion.