Brazilian Body Language

Insulting

Horns

When done in earnest, the gesture meaning "horns" is, obviously, very insulting. It's also very often done as a joke on people being photographed.

 

Crazy

Hold your index finger toward your temple and make circles with it. It means that a person is nuts. It can be very insulting or mildly so, depending on the situation.

 

Thief

Hold your extended arm next to your body and make a swiping gesture with your fingers to indicate that someone is a thief. Done a lot about politicians in Brazil.

 

Bull

Tap your fingers under your chin lightly to indicate that a person doesn't know what he/she is talking about (the equivalent to "bull").

 

Bad Driver

Rub your hand against your face like this to indicate that someone is a "barbeiro" (literally, a barber). It means he/she can't drive. Don't do on the road, though...remember road rage?

Brazilian Body Language