To bite
ones thumb
Posted by Word Camel on May 08,
2002 In Reply to: Re: Thumbing your nose
posted by TheFallen on May 08, 2002
: : : I've used the expression
"thumbing your nose at someone" to mean a kind of contempt. When I looked in Phrase
Finder for confirmation it didn't seem to be included.
: : : Any info anyone?
: : : Thanks, Rosieann
: : Certainly in the part of London I grew up in
in the 1930s and 40s, 'thumbing your nose' was very popular with kids as a form
of defiance against almost anyone else - other kids, grown ups (you hoped you
weren't indentified while you were running away, which is what you always did
if adults were involved!). I don't know its origin but I guess pretty old, possibly
centuries. It was almost never used by adults and was regarded as childlike.
:
I'm under a similar impression regarding the above, and believe it to be a now
out-moded and almost certainly entirely British childish insulting gesture. To
effect it, simply hold your right hand side-on to your face, with fingers extended
upwards, place your thumb against the tip of your nose, and then, facing your
target, waggle your fingers. God alone knows how it came about.
I wonder
if it's at all related to biting ones thumb as an insult. I found it in Romeo
and Juliet
GREGORY
I will frown as I pass by, and let them take it as they
list. [41]
SAMPSON
Nay, as they dare. I will bite my thumb at them, which
is disgrace to them if they bear it.
ABRAM
Do you bite your thumb at us,
sir?
SAMPSON
I do bite my thumb, sir.
ABRAM
Do you bite your thumb
at us, sir?
SAMPSON [Aside to Gregory]
Is the law of our side if I say ay?
GREGORY
[Aside to Sampson]
No.
SAMPSON
No, sir, I do not bite my thumb at you,
sir, but I bite my thumb, sir. [51] [F]
GREGORY
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