I'd like to say that I've never been guilty of this but...yeah. However, in my defense, I never use the real gang signs because in my hometown, that would get you shot in certain areas. I've only ever been guilty of making this sign in pictures:
Um. It's swearing in England, if that helps? It's used as an alternate to flipping the bird.
There is a rumour that English archers invented it to taunt the French. (Because while England had skilled bowmen they had superiority) The story goes that the French said they would chop off the fingers of bowmen to stop them firing if they ever faced them again; therefore to flip the two fingers at them was to show you still had the capability to kill them. It's most likely just a legend, but I kinda like it.
Haha, wow, really? That's so cool. I like hearing about how the meaning behind hand gestures can change dramatically in different countries. Like the "Hook 'em Horns" symbol here in Texas is a bad gesture to pull in Italy.
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There is a rumour that English archers invented it to taunt the French. (Because while England had skilled bowmen they had superiority) The story goes that the French said they would chop off the fingers of bowmen to stop them firing if they ever faced them again; therefore to flip the two fingers at them was to show you still had the capability to kill them. It's most likely just a legend, but I kinda like it.