Common customs that are offensive in some countries

Who knew that giving a thumbs up, smiling at strangers, or not eating enough food on your plate could be considered rude and offensive in some parts of the world? So, when you're going on your next vacation, familiarize yourself with local customs to avoid getting into an awkward situation.

Newsbytesapp.com has prepared five of the most common customs that are considered offensive in other parts of the world. This information will be useful for your next trip.

The peace sign

In Britain, making the peace sign backward, with your palm facing your face, can make the person you are pointing at angry. This gesture, known as the "two fingers" or "V sign," can be considered offensive or vulgar.

It is best to avoid the upside-down peace sign, especially in a professional environment, to avoid any misunderstandings or offense.

Thumbs up

In many Western cultures, the gesture of raising the thumb up is widely recognized as a symbol of approval or support. However, in some parts of the Middle East, Latin America, and West Africa, it is considered rude or offensive. It is interpreted as an aggressive or disrespectful gesture and can be perceived as a sign of disrespect, especially towards the LGBTQ+ community.

Eating everything on the plate

In countries such as China, Russia, and Thailand, leaving a small amount of food on the plate is considered a sign of respect for the host's hospitality and generosity.

Otherwise, it can be interpreted as a sign that the host has not given enough food or that the guests are still hungry. This can be seen as disrespectful to the host's hospitality.

Sipping

In some Asian cultures, slurping is considered a sign of appreciation for the food served and a way to enhance the flavor and enjoyment of the meal.

In contrast, in many Western cultures, table manners require that you eat quietly and gracefully. In these cultures, slurping is often associated with uncivilized behavior or a lack of self-control.

Smiling at strangers

Russian culture puts a strong emphasis on stoicism, and emotions are often not openly displayed. They usually hide their smile from close friends, family, and people they know well.

In Russia, smiling at strangers can be perceived as insincere or fake. When passing strangers, it is best to mind your own business if you do not want to offend them.

Earlier, TravelWise wrote about what mistakes to avoid in Bosnia and Herzegovina.