flip the bird

The phrase "flip the bird" is a colloquial expression originating in the 1960s, referring to a specific rude hand gesture.

Definition

B2Everyday Conversation

(informal, slang)To make an obscene gesture by extending the middle finger to show anger or disrespect.

Example

He got so mad that he flipped the bird at the driver who cut him off.
When the boss wasn't looking, she flipped the bird to vent her frustration.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "flip the bird":

give the finger give the bird flick off flip over one-finger salute shoot a bird thumb one's nose monkey flip call bird middle finger flip one's wig flip dog spit feathers talk to the hand flip one's lid flick over