Is the thumb a finger?

[NuclearNed]

We all know that the thumb is segregated from the fingers by proximity, but are there other differences that make the thumb something other than a finger? Or are they all the same?

What are the key attributes that define fingerness?

 

[MrChad]

WTF, of course it's a finger.

 

[iamwiz82]

The definition I just looked up said sometimes excepting the thumb. Why sometimes?

 

[sswingle]

So is the pinky a finger? It has its own name too. Setup a new poll stat.

 

[kingtas]

In anatomy, the thumb is the first finger.

 

[NuclearNed]

Originally posted by: ScottSwingleComputers
So is the pinky a finger? It has its own name too. Setup a new poll stat.

The pinky and the other three fingers share common characteristics that are arguably different from the thumb.

 

[dullard]

The thumb is a finger, but it is a lesser finger. Dictionary.com says:

One of the five digits of the hand, especially one other than the thumb.

The thumb IS one of the five digits, thus the thumb is a finger. But there is a catch, as the other four digits are better examples of a finger. Just like Kevin Federline is technically a singer, Britney Spears is a much better example of a singer*.


* This does not imply that Britney Spears is a great singer, just she has the qualities of a good singer - IE she can carry a tune.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: dullard
Just like Kevin Federline is technically a singer, Britney Spears is a much better example of a singer.

Not the best analogy.

 

[NuclearNed]

Originally posted by: dullard
The thumb is a finger, but it is a lesser finger. Dictionary.com says:

One of the five digits of the hand, especially one other than the thumb.

The thumb IS one of the five digits, thus the thumb is a finger. But there is a catch, as the other four digits are better examples of a finger. Just like Kevin Federline is technically a singer, Britney Spears is a much better example of a singer*.


* This does not imply that Britney Spears is a great singer, just she has the qualities of a good singer - IE she can carry a tune.

I'll buy that - but what makes the thumb a lesser finger, other than just someone's opinion?

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: NuclearNed

Originally posted by: dullard
The thumb is a finger, but it is a lesser finger. Dictionary.com says:

One of the five digits of the hand, especially one other than the thumb.

The thumb IS one of the five digits, thus the thumb is a finger. But there is a catch, as the other four digits are better examples of a finger. Just like Kevin Federline is technically a singer, Britney Spears is a much better example of a singer*.


* This does not imply that Britney Spears is a great singer, just she has the qualities of a good singer - IE she can carry a tune.

I'll buy that - but what makes the thumb a lesser finger, other than just someone's opinion?

Only one knuckle, perhaps?

 

[tweakmm]

The call them fingers, but I've never seen them fing. Oh wait, there they go.

 

[NuclearNed]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: NuclearNed

Originally posted by: dullard
The thumb is a finger, but it is a lesser finger. Dictionary.com says:

One of the five digits of the hand, especially one other than the thumb.

The thumb IS one of the five digits, thus the thumb is a finger. But there is a catch, as the other four digits are better examples of a finger. Just like Kevin Federline is technically a singer, Britney Spears is a much better example of a singer*.


* This does not imply that Britney Spears is a great singer, just she has the qualities of a good singer - IE she can carry a tune.

I'll buy that - but what makes the thumb a lesser finger, other than just someone's opinion?

Only one knuckle, perhaps?

Maybe. Also, I'm starting to think that the thumb is the king of the fingers, their ruler if you will. Just look at the size of the muscle on that thing! What finger could ever hope to compete? It takes four fingers to do the job of one thumb.

 

[kingtas]

Some would argue that the middle finger is the king of the five fingers. Maybe not as usefull overall, but can come in handy at certain times.

 

[NuclearNed]

Originally posted by: kingtas
Some would argue that the middle finger is the king of the five fingers. Maybe not as usefull overall, but can come in handy at certain times.

The middle finger can't get you a ride when your car is stalled on a cold, snowy night.

 

[Zach]

Originally posted by: ScottSwingleComputers
So is the pinky a finger? It has its own name too. Setup a new poll stat.

Or, is the big toe not a toe? It's the thumb of toes...

And, the thumb does have the same amount of knuckes, it's just oriented different.

 

[letdown427]

Originally posted by: Zach
And, the thumb does have the same amount of knuckes, it's just oriented different.

Care to elaborate?

I consider a kncukle to be one of those lumpy joint/hinge fellows in my hands.

Each finger has a knuckle that kinda divides them from the rest of my hand/palm. Then that thumb thing only has one other knuckle, whereas those other fingers, they have two?

One of us is special.


EDIT1:

Waaiiiit a minute, do I spy a secret thumb knuckle down by my wrist?

EDIT2:

No, I don't. One of us is definately special. And based on X-Rays, it's you, Mr Extra Thumb Knuckle. Got :camera:s?

EDIT3:

Ahh, Google

It's mildly concerning the number of typos on there, given that I presume the author(s) would have been scientists? E.g "oposable" and the ever ridiculous mis-use of the word your instead of you're.

 

[j00fek]

isnt it apart of the 5?