The loser is a hand gesture made by extending the right thumb and index fingers, leaving the other fingers closed to create the letter L, interpreted as "loser", and generally given as a demeaning sign.[1] Sometimes this is accompanied by raising the hand to the giver's forehead.[1]

Child making the loser gesture

The gesture was popular in the 1990s, partly popularized by the 1994 movie Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.[2]

Usage of an "L" hand sign in specific contexts

edit

In Brazil, the "L" is the political symbol of voting in Lula da Silva for president.[3] Also, in Brazil, Germán Cano, soccer player from Fluminense, use the L to commemorate when he scores a goal.[4]

Also in Brazil, an "L" handsign is used for cheering for Brazilian e-sports players from LOUD organization[5] (e.g. during "VCT 2023: LOCK//IN" event in São Paulo).[6]

References

edit

Sources

edit
  • Armstrong, Nancy; Wagner, Melissa (2003). Field Guide to Gestures: How to Identify and Interpret Virtually Every Gesture Known to Man. Quirk Books. ISBN 1-931686-20-3.

Notes

edit
  1. ^ a b Armstrong; Wagner (2003), p. 69
  2. ^ Armstrong; Wagner (2003), p. 68
  3. ^ Berti, Lucas (18 October 2022). "Former footballer Raí makes Lula gesture at Ballon d'Or ceremony". The Brazilian Report. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  4. ^ "Por que Germán Cano comemora seus gols fazendo um "L" com as mãos? | Goal.com Brasil". www.goal.com. 22 December 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  5. ^ "LOUD domina premiação do Prêmio Esports Brasil; veja vencedores". Adrenaline (in Brazilian Portuguese). 17 December 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  6. ^ Top 8 ALPHA Teams Are Locked In | Day 3 Highlights | VCT LOCK//IN, retrieved 10 March 2023
edit
  NODES
Note 3