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What Does Holding Up 4 Fingers Mean?

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In our rapidly booming digital world, the act of expressing ourselves through hand gestures and symbols still remains as a  powerful form of communication. One such gesture that has gained significant attention in the past couple of years is the act of holding up four fingers.

You may have seen this gesture in different contexts like sports, social media, general usage and a public movement. Depending on the context the meaning of the gesture is interpreted differently.

Holding Up 4 Fingers In Different Context.

Holding up 4 fingers
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Let dig a little deeper into meaning behind holding up 4 fingers in different contexts:

1. General Usage

The most basic meaning of  holding up 4 fingers is to represent the number 4. This gesture is used to communicate the number 4 in different contexts like the quantity to purchase of an item, time, amongst others. In other words it is a symbol of counting and quantification.

2. Social Media

In the digital forward world that we presently live in, social media platforms across the internet interpret the gesture in a different way in regards to the context.

  • TikTock- There is a current trend that is especially popular on TikTok right now, where people hold up 4 fingers as a non-verbal wa of saying that they are off the market. In other words the person doing the gesture is either not looking for a date or is already in a committed relationship.
  • Instagram – If a person posts a video, reel, or a post with 4 fingers up, it is a symbol of expressing loyalty to their partner. If you have just entered into a new relationship with your significant other that you really cherish them and want to express your excitement about getting together with them, this could be a perfect gesture to express your emotion.

Also Read: How to Have Fun at Home With Your Partner

3. Public Figures

Holding Up 4 Fingers
  • Rappers – Most rappers use this gesture to pay tribute to “West Side” the west coast rappers. It symbolizes unity, being part of the hip-hop community and also serves as a gesture of respect to the fellow artists and their contribution to hip-hop culture.
  • Celebrities – Not a popular trend on Instagram in the present time, but a trend that served an important cause in 2017. Celebrities posted pictures on Instagram holding up 4 fingers to raise awareness for mental health issues and to stop them from being deemed unworthy.

4. Personal Expression

  • Situational expression – It is also widely known as the “Silent Signal”. This signal is used to represent or convey the message that someone is in a dangerous situation like domestic violence or  physical abuse.
    The usual gesture to express  “Silent Signal ” would be to hold up 4 fingers facing the front, tuck the thumb on the palm, and then fold their fingers over their thumb.
  • Peace Sign – It is one of the most well-known hand gestures involving four fingers to make the peace sign. To form the gesture you must raise the index and middle fingers in a V shape, with the other fingers closed. The peace sign is a symbol of peace and has been used as a universal sign of nonviolence and goodwill.

5. Sports

  • Football – Showing up 4 fingers has now become a staple in the sport of football. It is used to symbolize the most important quarter of the game, the fourth quarter, but it stands for victory. It is also used to indicate the formation by the quarterback. It can also be interpreted as a signal for “maximum effort”.
  • Basketball – Just like football it is used to symbolize the most important quarter of the game, the fourth quarter. It is used by referees to indicate a foul by a player, leading to potential free throws.

Also Read: Signs Your Relationship May Be Over

Conclusion

In the modern time, holding up 4 fingers has a wide range of interpretations depending upon the context it’s being used in. The gesture not only symbolizes the number 4 but also represents the concepts like peace, unity, support, community and love. It is amazing how a gesture can break the language barriers and bring people together with common interests from all walks of life. 

Whether used in a personal context, the realm of sports or on social media, there is no denying that the gesture of holding up four fingers continues to be a very powerful tool for communication and for also making a powerful statement.

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