give the finger

gesture informal

The phrase "give the finger" is an informal way to describe a specific hand gesture used to express strong negative emotions like anger or disrespect.

Definition

B2Everyday Conversation

(informal, slang)To make an offensive gesture by raising the middle finger while keeping the other fingers folded.

Example

He gave the finger to the driver who cut him off in traffic.

B2Interpersonal Interaction

(informal, slang)To show blatant disrespect or defiance towards someone through a specific hand gesture.

Example

She gave the finger to her boss after being unfairly criticized.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "give the finger":

flip the bird middle finger one-finger salute thumb one's nose give the bird big finger talk to the hand tell it to the hand flick off first finger tell someone where to shove it finger fuck give the go-by long finger