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@fitheach@mstdn.io

Post #844021

2026-03-26 13:00 UTC

What does the v-sign mean? I've pondered this question since... forever. I'm meaning the v-sign formed by using the middle and index fingers (other fingers curled), with the palm facing towards the viewer. Victor de Laveleye invented the v-sign meaning victoire or vrijheid. This was later popularised by Winston Churchill. Are people using the v-sign now, still meaning victory or freedom? That seems unlikely. Perhaps the v-sign has lost any meaning, and is just being mindlessly copied.

Replies (5)

  • @fitheach@mstdn.io 2026-03-26 13:07

    The v-sign made with the same two fingers with the back of the hand towards the viewer has a well-established, and completely different meaning. In the UK, and elsewhere, this v-sign is an aggressive up-yours meaning. Legend has it this v-sign originated with Welsh longbowmen fighting for the English army at the Battle of Agincourt. #history

    Open ##2581851

  • @mhd@tilde.zone 2026-03-26 13:06

    @fitheach@mstdn.io I think outside of the UK and fellow travelers, it's mostly the "peace sign", beloved by hippies and (checks internet) Japanese girls. I think in sports, some people still use it for victory, especially in it's akimbo variant. The "up yours" inverse variant seems even more local.

    Open ##2581852

  • @DXMacGuffin@metalhead.club 2026-03-26 13:14

    @fitheach@mstdn.io Meanings change over time. And that’s ok. There are some symbols / signs that become tainted by their use of a nefarious group. The swastika certainly falls into this category - it was an old religious symbol whose meaning was perverted by the Nazis. The V-sign shown from the back (two fingers up, with the palm of your hand facing toward you) has a similar meaning in the UK, as in America the equivant gesture would be extending the middle finger. The origin of this was medieval archers showing that they still had their two fingers to draw their bows. As far as I know, there aren’t any nefarious uses for the V-sign.

    Open ##2581860

  • @yngmar@social.tchncs.de 2026-03-26 13:16

    @fitheach@mstdn.io It means bunny ears. Especially when done behind another person's head.

    Open ##2581866

  • @mactunag@gts.eunach.scot 2026-03-26 14:55

    @fitheach@mstdn.io peace ✌️

    Open ##2581870