Middle finger
The middle finger ( Latin : digitus tertius, medius ) is part of the hand , the middle of the five fingers , i.e. the third, and is located between the index finger and the ring finger . The middle finger is usually the longest finger on the hand and is supported by three phalanx bones. In most primates, including humans, the middle finger is also the strongest finger. The middle finger therefore plays an important role in grasping, with the focus mostly on this finger.
The middle finger has almost the same mobility as the thumb and index finger and can therefore partly replace the function of the index finger.
gesture
In many cultures, especially in Europe, the middle finger (the stinky finger ) spread out from the fist is an insult to the person to whom it is shown and has partially replaced the older bird pointing ( tapping the temple with the index finger ).
In England, the middle finger, raised together with the index finger, is an insulting gesture. However, this only applies if the back of the hand is turned towards the addressee. According to legend, it is a relic from the Hundred Years War . Since the middle finger was used to stretch the string of the English longbow , and so the archer could therefore be recognized by the thick calluses, the French allegedly threatened to knock it off. Hence the saying “show the big finger”.
music
Playing musical instruments
When playing the piano , the middle finger is called the third finger, while with other stringed instruments the middle finger of the gripping hand is called the second finger. On the guitar and related instruments, the middle finger of the striking hand is referred to as M (for medio ).
Snap fingers
The finger snapping (also: finger snapping) is a sound that is generated by the middle finger and the ball of the hand or ring finger , similar to clapping . The middle finger and thumb are pressed tightly together. This tension is then suddenly released so that the middle finger hits the ball of the hand and the ring finger.
It is used as a rhythmic element in music or as an invitation to a subordinate to hurry up; the latter is nowadays felt to be extremely arrogant.
