Money gesture

The money gesture, also known as the pay me gesture, is signalled by repeatedly rubbing one's thumb over the tip of the index finger and middle finger. The gesture resembles the act of rubbing coins or bills together and is generally used to indicate financial topic.[1][2]

Incidents[edit]

Starting in 2012, American football player Johnny Manziel used the gesture to celebrate touchdowns. It has been used in a similar way by football player T. J. Yeldon and academic R. Bowen Loftin.[3][4] In 2015, Manziel stopped using the gesture after his opponents often responded in kind.[5]

In 2022, British politician James Cleverly made the money gesture to Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition. He allegedly alluded to suggestions claiming the Labour Party accepts donations from trade unions.[6]

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, an Ecuadorian fan used the gesture against Qatar, alluding to unfair refereeing.[7][8]

In 2023, Slovenian basketball player Luka Dončić was fined $35,000 for using the money gesture. Dončić rubbed his fingers together signaling that the game officials had been paid off, and NBA found it "unprofessional and inappropriate".[9][10]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Armstrong, Nancy; Wagner, Melissa (2003). Field Guide to Gestures: How to Identify and Interpret Virtually Every Gesture Known to Man. Philadelphia: Quirk Books.
  2. ^ Massimo (9 December 2022). "22 Best Italian Hand Gestures: The Ultimate Art Form". The Italian Way of Life. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  3. ^ Carson, Dan. "Texas A&M President Flashes Johnny Manziel's 'Show Me the Money' Gesture". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  4. ^ Sherman, Rodger (14 September 2013). "Yeldon mimics Manziel celebration, slashes throat". SBNation.com. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  5. ^ Traina, Jimmy. "Browns' Manziel: 'The money sign will not be back'". FOX Sports. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  6. ^ Bosotti, Aurora (19 October 2022). "James Cleverly ribs Labour as he makes 'money' gesture at Starmer". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  7. ^ Swan, Rob (20 November 2022). "World Cup 2022: Ecuador fan goes viral after clashing with Qatar supporter in opening game". GiveMeSport. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  8. ^ Beresford, Jack (18 December 2022). "All the shocking World Cup moments you probably missed from Qatar 2022". Newsweek. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  9. ^ "Luka fined $35K for money gesture to refs in Mavs-Warriors". RSN. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  10. ^ "Luka Doncic fined $35,000 for inappropriate gesture at game official". NBA.com. Retrieved 8 May 2023.

External links[edit]