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Middle finger

life science Maturity 11-13 Next article →

The middle finger is a part of the human hand.

Jean Doyard arms - d'Hozier Armorial général de France
Jean Doyard arms - d'Hozier Armorial général de France

It is the third finger. It sits between the index finger and the ring finger. This finger is often the longest one on the hand. In science, people use special names for it. They may call it the digitus medius. This is just a formal name for the middle finger. You can use this finger to snap. To do this, you press it against your thumb.

Jean Doyard arms - d'Hozier Armorial général de France
Jean Doyard arms - d'Hozier Armorial général de France

In many Western countries, this finger has a different use. People sometimes hold it up as an insult. This is a rude gesture. It is often called "flipping the bird." Some people also call it "giving someone the finger." In the United Kingdom, people may use it with the index finger. This is known as the V sign. Using the finger this way is considered obscene. This means it is a very offensive sign.

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