hands - body language
Body language involving hands is extensive.
This is because hands are such expressive parts of the body, and because hands interact with other parts of the body.
Hands contain many more nerve connections (to the brain) than most if not all other body parts. They are extremely expressive and flexible tools, so it is natural for hands to be used a lot in signalling consciously - as with emphasizing gestures - or unconsciously - as in a wide range of unintentional movements which indicate otherwise hidden feelings and thoughts.
A nose or an ear by itself can do little to signal a feeling, but when a hand or finger is also involved then there is probably a signal of some sort.
Hands body language is used for various purposes, notably:
emphasis, (pointing, jabbing, and chopping actions, etc)
illustration (drawing, shaping, mimicking actions or sizing things in the air - this big/long/wide/etc., phoning actions, etc)
specific conscious signals like the American OK, the thumbs-up, the Victory-sign, and for rude gestures, etc.
greeting people and waving goodbye (which might be included in the above category)
and more interestingly in unconscious 'leakage' signals including interaction with items like pens and cigarettes and other parts of the body, indicating feelings such as doubt, deceit, pressure, openness, expectation, etc.
Body language experts generally agree that hands send more signals than any part of the body except for the face. Studying hand body language therefore yields a lot of information; hence the hands section below is large.
There are many cultural body language differences in hand signals. The section below focuses on Western behaviour. Much applies elsewhere, but avoid assuming that it all does.

signal palm(s) up or open hands possible meaning submissive, truthful, honesty, appealing
detailed explanation Said to evolve from when open upward palms showed no weapon was held. A common gesture with various meanings around a main theme of openness. Can also mean "I don't have the answer," or an appeal. In some situations this can indicate confidence (such as to enable openness), or trust/trustworthiness. An easily faked gesture to convey innocence. Outward open forearms or whole arms are more extreme versions of the signal.
signal palm(s) up, fingers pointing up hands possible meaning defensive, instruction to stop
detailed explanation Relaxed hands are more likely to be defensive as if offered up in protection; rigid fingers indicates a more authoritative instruction or request to stop whatever behaviour is promoting the reaction. signal palm(s) down hands possible meaning authority, strength, dominance detailed explanation Where the lower arm moves across the body with palm down this is generally defiance or firm disagreement. signal palm up and moving up and down as if weighing hands possible meaning striving for or seeking an answer detailed explanation The hand is empty, but figuratively holds a problem or idea as if weighing it. The signal is one of 'weighing' possibilities. signal hand(s) on heart (left side of chest) hands possible meaning seeking to be believed detailed explanation Although easy to fake, the underlying meaning is one of wanting to be believed, whether being truthful or not. Hand on heart can be proactive, as when a salesman tries to convince a buyer, or reactive, as when claiming innocence or shock. Whatever, the sender of this signal typically feels the need to emphasise their position as if mortally threatened, which is rarely the case. signal finger pointing (at a person) hands possible meaning
aggression, threat, emphasis detailed explanation Pointing at a person is very confrontational and dictatorial. Commonly adults do this to young people. Adult to adult it is generally unacceptable and tends to indicate a lack of social awareness or self-control aside from arrogance on the part of the finger pointer. The finger is thought to represent a gun, or pointed weapon. Strongly associated with anger, directed at another person. An exception to the generally aggressive meaning of finger pointing is the finger point and wink, below. signal finger point and wink hands/ eyes possible meaning acknowledgement or confirmation detailed explanation The subtle use of a winked eye with a pointed finger changes the finger point into a different signal, that of acknowledging something, often a contribution or remark made by someone, in which case the finger and wink are directed at the person concerned, and can be a signal of positive appreciation, as if to say, "You got it," or "You understand it, well done". signal finger pointing (in the air) hands possible meaning emphasis detailed explanation Pointing in the air is generally used to add emphasis, by a person feeling in authority or power. signal finger wagging (side to side) hands possible meaning warning, refusal detailed explanation Rather like the waving of a pistol as a threat. Stop it/do as you are told, or else.. signal finger wagging (up and down) hands
possible meaning admonishment, emphasis detailed explanation The action is like pressing a button on a keypad several times. Like when a computer or elevator won't work, as if pressing the button lots of times will make any difference.. signal hand chop hands possible meaning emphasis - especially the last word on a matter detailed explanation The hand is used like a guillotine, as if to kill the discussion. signal finger tips and thumbs touching each other on opposite hands ('steepling') hands possible meaning thoughtfulness, looking for or explaining connections or engagement detailed explanation Very brainy folk use this gesture since it reflects complex and/or elevated thinking. In this gesture only the fingertips touch - each finger with the corresponding digit of the other hand, pointing upwards like the rafters of a tall church roof. Fingers are spread and may be rigidly straight or relaxed and curved. Alternating the positions (pushing fingers together then relaxing again - like a spider doing press-ups on a mirror) enables the fascinating effect (nothing to do with body language), which after enough repetition can produce a sensation of having a greased sheet of glass between the fingers. Try it - it's very strange. signal steepled fingers pointing forward hands possible meaning thoughtfulness and barrier detailed explanation The upwards-pointing version tends to indicate high-minded or connective/complex thinking, however when this hand shape is directed forward it also acts as a defensive or distancing barrier between the thinker and other(s) present. signal palms down moving up and down, fingers spread hands possible meaning seeking or asking for calm, loss of control of a group or situation detailed explanation Seen often in rowdy meetings the gesture is typically a few inches above the table top, but is also seen standing up. The action is one of suppressing or holding down a rising pressure. Teachers use this gesture when trying to quieten a class. signal cracking knuckles hands possible meaning comforting habit, attention-seeking detailed explanation Usually male. Machismo or habit. Meaning depends on context. No-one knows still exactly how the noise is made, but the notion that the practice leads to arthritis is now generally thought to be nonsense. signal interwoven clenched fingers hand possible meaning frustration, negativity, anxiousness detailed explanation Usually hands would be on a table or held across stomach or on lap. signal index finger and thumb touching at tips
hands possible meaning satisfaction, 'OK' detailed explanation This is generally seen to be the 'OK' signal, similar to the 'thumbs up'. The signal may be to oneself quietly, or more pronounced directed to others. There is also the sense of this suggesting something being 'just right' as if the finger and thumb are making a fine adjustment with a pinch of spice or a tiny turn of a control knob. The circle formed by the joined finger and thumb resembles the O from OK. The remaining three fingers are spread. signal thumb(s) up hands possible meaning positive approval, agreement, all well detailed explanation In the Western world this signal is so commonly used and recognized it has become a language term in its own right: 'thumbs up' means approved. It's a very positive signal. Two hands is a bigger statement of the same meaning. signal thumbs down hands possible meaning disapproval, failure detailed explanation Logically the opposite of thumbs up. Rightly or wrongly the thumbs up and down signals are associated with the gladiatorial contests of the ancient Roman arenas in which the presiding dignitary would signal the fate of the losing contestants. signal hand held horizontally and rocked from side to side hands possible meaning undecided, in the balance detailed explanation Signalling that a decision or outcome, normally finely balanced and difficult to predict or control, could go one way or another. signal rubbing hands together hands possible meaning anticipation, relish detailed explanation A signal - often a conscious gesture - of positive expectation, and often related to material or financial reward, or an enjoyable activity and outcome. signal hand(s) clamped over mouth hands / mouth possible meaning suppression, shock detailed explanation See mouth/hand clamp entry in mouth section, which is a subject in its own right. signal touching nose, while speaking hands / nose possible meaning lying or exaggeration detailed explanation This is said to hide the reddening of the nose caused by increased blood flow. Can also indicate mild embellishment or fabrication. The children's story about Pinocchio (the wooden puppet boy whose nose grew when he told lies) reflects long-standing associations between the nose and telling lies. signal scratching nose, while speaking hands / nose possible meaning lying or exaggeration detailed explanation Nose-scratching while speaking is a warning sign, unless the person genuinely has an itchy nose. Often exhibited when recounting an event or incident. signal pinching or rubbing nose, while listening hands / nose possible meaning thoughtfulness, suppressing comment detailed explanation In many cases this is an unconscious signalling of holding back or delaying a response or opinion. Pinching the nose physically obstructs breathing and speech, especially if the mouth is covered at the same time. Rather like the more obvious hand-clamp over the mouth, people displaying this gesture probably have something to say but are choosing not to say it yet. signal picking nose hands / nose possible meaning day-dreaming, inattentive, socially disconnected, stress detailed explanation Nose picking is actually extremely common among adults but does not aid career development or social acceptance and is therefore normally a private affair. When observed, nose-picking can signify various states of mind, none particularly positive. signal pinching bridge of nose hands / nose detailed explanation negative evaluation .Usually accompanied with a long single blink. signal hands clamped on ears hands / ears possible meaning rejection of or resistance to something detailed explanation Not surprisingly gestures involving hands covering the ears signify a reluctance to listen and/or to agree with what is being said or to the situation as a whole. The gesture is occasionally seen by a person doing the talking, in which case it tends to indicate that other views and opinions are not wanted or will be ignored.
signal ear tugging hands / ears possible meaning indecision, self-comforting detailed explanation People fiddle with their own bodies in various ways when seeking comfort, but ear-pulling or tugging given suitable supporting signs can instead indicate indecision and related pondering. signal hands clasping head hands / head possible meaning calamity detailed explanation Hands clasping head is like a protective helmet against some disaster or problem. signal hand stroking chin hands / chin poss meaning thoughtfulness explaination The stroking of a beard is a similar signal, although rare among women. signal hand supporting chin or side of face hands / chin, face poss meaning evaluation, tiredness or boredom explanation Usually the forearm is vertical from the supporting elbow on a table. People who display this signal are commonly assessing or evaluating next actions, options, or reactions to something or someone. If the resting is heavier and more prolonged, and the gaze is unfocused or averted, then tiredness or boredom is a more likely cause. A lighter resting contact is more likely to be evaluation, as is lightly resting the chin on the knuckles. signal chin resting on thumb, index finger pointing up against face hands / chin
poss meaning evaluation explanation This is a more reliable signal of evaluation than the above full-hand support. Normally the supporting elbow will be on a table or surface. The middle finger commonly rests horizontally between chin and lower lip. signal neck scratching hands / neck
poss meaning doubt, disbelief explanation Perhaps evolved from a feeling of distrust and instinct to protect the vulnerable neck area. Who knows - whatever, the signal is generally due to doubting or distrusting what is being said. signal hand clasping wrist hands / wrist poss meaning frustration explaination Clasping a wrist, which may be behind the back or in open view, can be a signal of frustration, as if holding oneself back. signal running hands through hair hand / hair
poss meaning flirting, or vexation, exasperation explanation Take your pick - running hands through the hair is commonly associated with flirting, and sometimes it is, although given different supporting signals, running hands through the hair can indicate exasperation or upset.
signal hand(s) on hip(s) hands / arms poss meaning confidence, readiness, availability explanation The person is emphasizing their presence and readiness for action. Observable in various situations, notably sport, and less pronounced poses in social and work situations. In social and flirting context it is said that the hands are drawing attention to the genital area.
signal hands in pockets hands / arms poss meaning disinterest, boredom explanation The obvious signal is one of inaction, and not being ready for action. Those who stand with hands in pockets - in situations where there is an expectation for people to be enthusiastic and ready for action - demonstrate apathy and lack of interest for the situation. signal removing spectacles
hands / spectacles poss meaning alerting wish to speak explanation For people who wear reading-only spectacles, this is an example of an announcement or alerting gesture, where a person readies themselves to speak and attracts attention to the fact. Other alerting signals include raising the hand, taking a breath, moving upwards and forwards in their seat, etc. signal playing an imaginary violin hands / arms poss meaning mock sympathy or sadness explanation The 'air violin' has been around a lot longer than the 'air guitar', and is based on the traditional use of violin music as a theme or background for sad scenes in movies and in music generally. The 'air violin' is not typically included in body language guides; it's here as an amusing gesture which demonstrates our conscious practice and recognition of certain signals. signal thumb and fingers formed into a tube and rocked side to side or up and down (mainly male) hands poss meaning offensive - mockery, dissatisfaction, expression of inferior quality explanation A conscious signal, usually one-handed. Insulting gesture if directed at a person, typically male to male, since it mimics masturbation, like calling a person a 'tosser' or a 'wanker' (UK) or a jerk-off (US). This is obviously rude and not used in respectable company such as the queen or a group of clergymen. The gesture is also used as a response to something regarded as poor quality, which might be a performance or piece of work or a comment on a product of some sort. The allusion is to masturbation being a poor substitute for sex with a woman, and that those who masturbate are not 'real men'. Unsurprisingly the gesture is mainly male, directed at other males, especially in tribal-like gatherings. Rare female use of this gesture directed at males can be very effective due to its humiliating value. For obvious reasons the gesture is unlikely to be used by females or males directed at females. signal two-fingered V-sign, palm inward (mainly male) hands / fingers poss meaning offensive - derision, contempt explaination A consciously offensive and aggressive gesture, also called 'flicking the Vs', widely but probably incorrectly thought to derive from the 1415 Battle of Agincourt in the Hundred Years War when the tactically pivotal Welsh longbowmen supposedly derided the beaten French soldiers' and their threats to cut off the bowmen's fingers. signal two-fingered V-sign, palm outward hands fingers
poss meaning victory, peace explanation British 2nd World War leader Winston Churchill popularised the victory usage, although apparently, significantly if so, first used the palm inwards version until he was told what it meant to the working classes.