Does anyone use their thumb when signaling a number?

[Syringer]

Was thinking about this after seeing Inglourious Basterds, does anyone use their thumb when trying to signal a number?

That is, normally if I want to signal "3", I'd use my index, middle, and ring fingers, but apparently Germans and some others use their thumb, index and middle fingers.

 

[moshquerade]

the number 5

 

[Modular]

the number 5

Voted yes because of this.

 

[newb111]

Voted yes because of this.

Same

 

[Mo0o]

 

[Leros]

When I count to myself, I start with my thumb. However, when I signal the number 1, I use my pointer finger because people get confused if I use my thumb.

 

[vshah]

When I count to myself, I start with my thumb. However, when I signal the number 1, I use my pointer finger because people get confused if I use my thumb.

same, use thumb for counting and for the numbers 5-10

 

[TridenT]

the number 5

That. lulz

 

[Mr.Diggler]

Was thinking about this after seeing Inglourious Basterds, does anyone use their thumb when trying to signal a number?

That is, normally if I want to signal "3", I'd use my index, middle, and ring fingers, but apparently Germans and some others use their thumb, index and middle fingers.

I do sometimes, but I grew up over there. Much of central Europe uses the thumb for one, pointer for two, etc. I usually use the pointer for one now, but for three I use the thumb, pointer, and middle finger instead of the first three fingers that is more common in America.

If you wanted to order two beers, you used to be able to just hold up your pointer finger and nothing else...and I've seen five ordered with just a pinky. Never saw three ordered with a flip-off though.

The only problem with this is that four is hard to signal because you need your thumb to hold down your pinky when raising your ring finger.


And on a related subject, what Americans call the 2nd floor is the 1st floor in much of Europe. It goes Ground Floor, 1st Floor, 2nd Floor, etc. instead of 1st Floor, 2nd Floor, 3rd Floor. I've seen this used in some fancier hotels in America too...Lobby, First Floor, Second, etc.

 

[Leros]

I do sometimes, but I grew up over there. Much of central Europe uses the thumb for one, pointer for two, etc. I usually use the pointer for one now, but for three I use the thumb, pointer, and middle finger instead of the first three fingers that is more common in America.

If you wanted to order two beers, you used to be able to just hold up your pointer finger and nothing else...and I've seen five ordered with just a pinky. Never saw three ordered with a flip-off though.

The only problem with this is that four is hard to signal because you need your thumb to hold down your pinky when raising your ring finger.


And on a related subject, what Americans call the 2nd floor is the 1st floor in much of Europe. It goes Ground Floor, 1st Floor, 2nd Floor, etc. instead of 1st Floor, 2nd Floor, 3rd Floor. I've seen this used in some fancier hotels in America too...Lobby, First Floor, Second, etc.

I've been in lots of buildings where the entry level floor is the 2nd floor. The first floor (ground floor) is the basement.

It's even more confusing when buildings are built on hills. You walk in and you're on the 4th floor.

 

[RoloMather]

A thumbs up = #1

Giving someone a thumbs up means, "You're #1."