National Middle Finger Day

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Welcome to the wild and wacky world of National Middle Finger Day! This special day gives us all an opportunity to express our feelings with just a single, solitary finger. But don't worry, this article will dive into the fascinating history, celebrate the spirit of independence, and keep things light-hearted. So, buckle up and get ready to flip the page on this one-of-a-kind national day!

When is Middle Finger Day?

It's national middle finger day on the 10th September.

A Brief History of National Middle Finger Day

While the origins of National Middle Finger Day are obscure, it's safe to say that this gesture has a long and storied history. The act of extending the middle finger as an insulting gesture traces back to ancient times. It has been used as a symbol of defiance, rebellion, and, of course, a way to tell others how you truly feel.

In modern times, the internet has played a significant role in popularizing the act of flipping the bird. Memes, gifs, and hilarious emojis have made it easier than ever to convey our frustrations without saying a word. National Middle Finger Day embraces this digital age phenomenon and encourages everyone to let their fingers do the talking, virtually or otherwise.

Celebrating National Middle Finger Day

On this day, you can celebrate National Middle Finger Day in a variety of creative ways. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Send a cheeky, middle-finger-themed e-card to friends or loved ones. It's all in good fun, just make sure they understand your sense of humor!
Express your frustrations by creating and sharing funny memes or gifs featuring the infamous gesture. Remember, laughter is the best medicine!
Take a moment to reflect on the history and cultural significance of the middle finger. It might surprise you!

Did You Know?

Did you know that the middle finger gesture is known by many names around the world? In the United States, it's often called 'flipping the bird.' In the United Kingdom, it's known as 'giving someone the finger,' while in Australia, it's called 'flashing the V.' No matter what you call it, the message remains the same!

History behind the term 'Middle Finger'

423 AD

Ancient Roman Insult

In the year 423 AD, during the time of the Roman Empire, a well-known hand gesture emerged as a form of insult. This gesture involved extending the middle finger while keeping the other fingers folded inwards. Referred to as 'digitus impudicus' in Latin, this offensive gesture was used to show contempt, disrespect, and ridicule to others. The meaning behind this gesture was clear: the raised middle finger symbolized the phallus, a crude representation of male genitalia in Roman culture.

4th century BC

Ancient Greek Insults

The origins of the middle finger gesture can be traced back to ancient Greece. In the 4th century BC, the philosopher Diogenes had a habit of using insulting gestures to express his disapproval for various things. One particular gesture, known as the katapygon or katapyknosis, involved extending the middle finger while bending the other fingers inward. It was a crude way of conveying disrespect and contempt.

423 BC

Ancient Greek Gesture

In ancient Greece, a gesture considered offensive and vulgar is believed to have laid the foundation for the modern term 'middle finger.' The gesture involved extending the index finger and middle finger tightly together, while curling the remaining fingers towards the palm. It was used as an insult, conveying a message of derision and contempt.

16th Century

French Connection

Fast forward to the 16th century in Europe, where this insulting hand gesture gained even more notoriety. In France specifically, it was known as 'bras d'honneur,' which translates to 'arm of honor.' Used as a symbol of defiance and rebellion, the gesture became a visual expression of discontent towards authority. Its popularity ultimately spread across Europe, further solidifying its negative connotation.

1st Century AD

Roman Digitus Impudicus

The Romans developed their own version of the rude hand gesture, known as 'digitus impudicus.' It was closely related to the Greek gesture but involved extending just the middle finger instead of both the index and middle fingers. The digitus impudicus was considered an obscene and offensive gesture used to express disdain and contempt.

1st century AD

Roman Obscenities

The middle finger gesture continued to evolve during the Roman Empire. Romans, known for their love of obscene language and gestures, had their own version of the middle finger insult. They called it the digitus impudicus, which translates to the "impudent finger." This gesture, similar to the one used by Diogenes, was considered highly offensive and disrespectful.

15th Century

Raising the Fliche

During the 15th century in England, a gesture called 'raising the fliche' became prevalent. This gesture involved extending the middle finger while placing the thumb on the nose and wagging the remaining fingers. It was used to mock and taunt others. The term 'fliche' was a French word for a small musical instrument commonly associated with comedy acts.

6th century AD

Medieval Pictorial Representations

During the Middle Ages, the use of the middle finger gesture began to appear in various illustrated manuscripts. In one such example from the 6th century AD, a Greek monk named Cosmos Indicopleustes depicted the gesture in his work titled 'Topographia Christiana.' These illustrations suggest that the middle finger had become associated with rude and obscene gestures, transcending cultural boundaries.

19th Century

British Gesture Etiquette

As the 19th century rolled around, British culture encountered this offensive gesture. It was during this time that the official term 'middle finger' became commonly used to describe the specific finger involved in the gesture. However, due to the rigid British etiquette, the middle finger gesture itself was considered highly vulgar and rarely used in public. This cultural restraint prevented the term from gaining significant recognition at the time.

16th century AD

The Fig Hand

By the 16th century, the middle finger gesture had acquired a specific name and symbol. It became known as the 'fig hand,' derived from the figs' resemblance to the human finger. People would even carry dried figs as a means to taunt and provoke others, effectively communicating their contempt without saying a word.

19th Century

Middle Finger Eclipses

By the 19th century, the term 'middle finger' started gaining prominence as a way to refer to the gesture. This evolution might be attributed to the increasing use of the term in literature, newspapers, and popular culture. The term 'middle finger' provided a clearer and less ambiguous way to describe the specific finger used in the offensive gesture.

20th Century

American Popularization

The turning point for the term 'middle finger' occurred in the 20th century in the United States. During this time, the gesture gained widespread notoriety due to its association with rebellion against societal norms. It became a symbol of discontent, defiance, and defiance against authority, leading to its inclusion in popular culture, music, and movies. The rising counterculture movements of the 1960s further propelled the term into public consciousness.

19th century AD

The One-Finger Salute

In the 19th century, the middle finger gesture started being referred to as the 'one-finger salute.' This term highlights the act's offensive nature and its function as a form of protest, defiance, or insult. The phrase 'giving someone the finger' also emerged during this time, solidifying the idea that the gesture had a universally understood meaning of disrespect.

20th Century

Modern Usage and Popularity

During the 20th century, the middle finger gesture became widely known and recognized as an offensive gesture across different cultures. It gained significance as a symbol of defiance, rebellion, and protest. It has been portrayed in numerous films, music videos, and publicized incidents, solidifying its place in popular culture and its notoriety as a controversial gesture.

Present Day

Cultural Icon

Today, the term 'middle finger' has firmly established itself as part of everyday vocabulary around the world. Its usage has evolved beyond its original insulting context, with a wide array of meanings attributed to it, including expressing frustration, asserting independence, or simply conveying a playful jest. Whether loved or loathed, the middle finger remains a cultural icon that sparks both controversy and amusement.

20th century AD

Pop Culture Icon

The middle finger gesture became an iconic symbol of defiance and rebellion in the 20th century. It started appearing in various forms of popular culture, including movies, music, and art. One of the most famous examples is the album cover for The Rolling Stones' 1971 album 'Sticky Fingers,' designed by artist Andy Warhol. The cover featured a provocative close-up photograph of a man's crotch, with a working zipper that revealed underwear when pulled down. This controversial artwork further cemented the middle finger as a symbol of rebellion.