Showing the middle finger is a classic non-verbal cue to show anger and frustration towards someone. You could show it to someone who has interrupted, insulted, or otherwise provoked your anger. In its simplest form, taking your middle finger out of someone is simply pointing your finger in the direction of that person. The more advanced techniques adopt an element of comedy or live art. Don't forget that when you show the middle finger to someone, you challenge them, so do it carefully or be prepared for the consequences.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Basic Movements to Show the Middle Finger
Step 1. Get your finger out of the way of someone
This classic move has a simple frankness. Twist the back of your fist in the direction of someone, as if you were shaking your fist. Then extend your middle finger. Hold this position and look the person in the eye. This is a quick and easy way to get your point across.
Move your finger from side to side for emphasis. Extend it firmly and emphatically to make sure you get the point across
Step 2. Try to use both hands
If you want an additional effect, show the "double finger". Show the person your middle finger with both hands at the same time to convey that you are exceptionally angry.
Make "the X": cross your middle fingers to form an X and then hold them against your chest facing the offender
Step 3. Switch fingers
For a slightly more dynamic insult, show the person your left and right middle fingers in rapid succession. Alternatively, keep both fingers extended and move them from side to side for emphasis.
Method 2 of 3: Discreet Movements to Show Middle Finger
Step 1. Act like you're scratching your nose
Bring your hand to your face as if you were going to scratch your nose or face. Look at the person you want to show your middle finger to and then scratch your nose with this finger while looking at them intentionally.
The person you are showing your middle finger to may not be aware of this movement. However, it might make other viewers laugh
Step 2. Show the person's middle finger from behind
You may feel a little better just releasing your anger in some way, even if the person in question doesn't actually see you. Consider whether you want to provoke a confrontation or just let your feelings out.
Method 3 of 3: Theatrical Movements to Show the Middle Finger
Step 1. Do the "surprise box" move
Extend your fist in front of you with your knuckles facing the offender, but still not lift your middle finger. Then make a fist with your other hand and twist it in circles next to your first hand like you were winding a surprise box toy from yesteryear. As you wind it up, it hums "Pop Goes the Weasel," the song traditionally associated with surprise boxes. Hum and turn your hand faster and faster as you get closer to the end of the song. Then, on the last "pop" of the song "Pop Goes the Weasel", hold out your middle finger as if it were the doll coming out of the box. Finish humming the song as long as you show the person your middle finger.
Make sure you have the person's full attention. It takes a little time to achieve this move, and you should be sure to get the full effect
Step 2. Practice "the balloon"
Hold your fist in front of your face and place the tip of your thumb in your mouth. Act as if you were inflating a balloon: "blow" towards your thumb and spread all the fingers as if you were blowing them up with your breath. Then, hold the middle finger of the "balloon hand" with your other hand and pull the thumb away from your mouth. Close the other fingers of the "balloon hand" slowly until only the middle finger is pointing at the person you want to show it to.
Step 3. Pretend to "find" your middle finger
Act as if you are looking for something: in your pocket, between the cushions of the armchair or in a drawer of a desk. Make sure you get the person's attention. Then do a theater of being relieved to have found what you were looking for. Turn around to show the person what you found and show them the middle finger!
Alternatively, lean down in front of the person as if picking something up off the ground. Stand up showing the middle finger and say "Did you drop this?"
Step 4. Try "the trumpet"
Blow on your thumb as you pretend to play the trumpet, and shake your fingers as if pressing the valves. Raise only your middle finger periodically. Add a few musical effects for style.
Step 5. Try the "double end"
Spread the middle fingers of both hands and then bring your arms behind your back and across your legs. Both middle fingers must be clearly presented. Note: only people with long arms can do this.
Advice
- Learn to show the middle finger to people around the world. Every culture has its own non-verbal cues to show extreme frustration.
- Hold the middle finger firmly for emphasis and maintain a stern facial expression.
- If you want a very provocative move, swear at the person by showing your middle finger.
- As a joke, blow someone a kiss with just the middle finger.
- In case you are wearing glasses, you can push the bridge (between the lenses) up with your middle finger and behave innocently, as if you were just fixing the position of your glasses.
- For a more carefree and "provocative" gesture, extend your thumb to the side instead of behind your hand. Also, if someone provokes or insults you, walk away, but show them the middle finger subtly as you walk away.