meaning of the "peace sign"?

Mechphisto · Post by **Mechphisto** » Mon May 05, 2003 2:14 pm

OK, stupid question, but while I like anime I've never really gotten "involved" in it. So please forgive me. =)

But what's the meaning of the two-fingered "V" gesture similar to the peace-sign? At one time I actually thought it WAS the peace-sign being made, but I realized soon after that surely it meant something else. And thought it was just an anime "thing," but then I saw a snapshot of one of my co-worker's wife, who happens to be Japanese, and she was making the same gesture at the camera. So I figure it still IS an anime thing and she's just a huge fan, or it's a Japanese culture thing...

OK babbling cut short...what's it mean?

Thanks. =)
Liam

document · Post by **document** » Mon May 05, 2003 2:41 pm

Victory!!!

IAmJacksUserName · Post by **IAmJacksUserName** » Mon May 05, 2003 3:25 pm

That's been the sign for "Victory" before it was ever pease, and I don't think it's just Japanese. I've heard of US gunners and pilots using it in WWII.

ixidor · Post by **ixidor** » Mon May 05, 2003 3:34 pm

*crosses fingers and yells*
LOVE AND PEACE!

Mechphisto · Post by **Mechphisto** » Mon May 05, 2003 3:35 pm

Well, "Victory" had crossed my mind...but, uh, I thought the "Victory" sign came about from US victory over Japan...which seemed rather incongruous for it to be a Japanese gesture.
Unless, it's being used (originally at least) by Japanese specifically as an ironic comment on our use of the V-sign....

Maybe I'm reading too much into it. =)
Thanks for the replies!

NKryptiD · Post by **NKryptiD** » Mon May 05, 2003 3:44 pm

no no no no no. it means "peace sells, but who's buying?"

FireAza · Post by **FireAza** » Mon May 05, 2003 9:55 pm

Yeah, it's a very Japanese thing, thus, it appears in anime a lot. As for meining, what else would it mean but peace?

gravity · Post by **gravity** » Mon May 05, 2003 10:06 pm

It basically means cool, peace, and victory.

You know, me and my friends use the peace sign for pics A LOT, but it's not because we're japanese... we are huge anime fans though, so most do it for that reason.

It's just a culture thing, like how the rappers do that surfing symbol upside down, or how surfers do there 'knarly' sign...

;

Lith needs to go back to writing her essay now...

document · Post by **document** » Mon May 05, 2003 10:09 pm

I do it because I grew up learning that it was the sign for victory. (My mother is a dirty immigrant from England) Just recently my mother was watching the Oscars and Susan Surrandon (sp) was getting out of her car with her hubby and were making peace signs. My mother exclaimed, "I thought she was against the war, why is she saying victory!" We all had a good chuckle about that.

Skorpion · Post by **Skorpion** » Mon May 05, 2003 10:55 pm

It goes back really far, that does, dating back to the days when Britain invaded France every few decades or so, and longbows ruled the battlefield.

On capturing British archers, the French would cut off his first 2 fingers on each hand to stop him using a bow, and then release him.

This brought about the V-sign, which means 'Nyeaah! I've still got my fingers!'

document · Post by **document** » Mon May 05, 2003 10:58 pm

That's an unconfirmed story, I've also heard one much like it where the bird was brought about with that. They held up their middle finger to the French and said "Pluck you!"

RadicalDreamer · Post by **RadicalDreamer** » Mon May 05, 2003 11:16 pm

I thought holding up your pinkie and ring finger up was an insult. It was like them saying "You may have cut off my two fingers, but I can still shoot!"

EDIT: Also, I've heard that the bird dates back way farther than that.

Skorpion · Post by **Skorpion** » Mon May 05, 2003 11:31 pm

That's an unconfirmed story

Not quite. It's confirmed by textbooks, and my history teacher.

It makes sense, though. Ever tried firing a bow without your first two fingers?

Saurenath · Post by **Saurenath** » Mon May 05, 2003 11:36 pm

The middle finger is also a sign of that, giving one the finger is parallel to saying "Ive still got it" and was considered the same as telling someone "fuck you", insult wise.

enisoc · Post by **enisoc** » Tue May 06, 2003 12:51 am

You're all wrong. It means two.

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