Peter and the Finger

[dannanotdayna]

No: HPFGUIDX 181912

> Laura:
>
> > I was listening to PoA and was at the part where Pettigrew
> > points at someone. When he does so, he has to point with
> > his middle finger, as his index finger is missing. I hadn't
> > realized what image that would project. I am sure she
> > meant it, as it is fairly explicit.
<SNIP>

> montims:

> In Britain, this gesture is not common, except for those that
> like to adopt Americanisms - it is the traditional V sign that
> is offensive - so offensive in my mind, at least, that I think
> I have never used it...


Sorry, I have to ask; my curiosity is piqued. The index
and middle finger sign Americans use for peace or victory
is offensive in England? I have to go Google British sign
language, because that sign is also part of the ASL alphabet.

Is it's meaning analagous to our "FU" finger?

I'll also toss in my two cents that I would be really surprised
if JKR meant Pettigrew's pointing to have a double meaning. When
she wants to toss in something colorful, she isn't really sneaky
about it. We got "effing" and "Bitch" in DH and a bit of an
eyebrow-raising conversation between Harry and Ginny, to boot.

~Dananotdayna