Pronunciation: [θˈʌmz dˈa͡ʊn] (IPA) 
"Thumbs Down" is a commonly used phrase to signify disapproval or dislike of something or someone. The spelling of the word "thumbs" is pronounced /θʌmz/ with the "th" sound as in "thin" and the "u" pronounced as /ʌ/. The word "down" is pronounced /daʊn/ with the "ow" sound as in "cow". Together, the phrase is spelled as it is pronounced, making it easily recognizable and understandable.
Thumbs down is an idiomatic gesture that conveys disapproval or rejection towards something or someone. Originating from the ancient Roman culture, it stems from the practice followed by the Roman crowds to express their opinion on the fate of a defeated gladiator. The spectators would extend their thumbs upward, indicating their desire for the gladiator's life to be spared, or they would point their thumbs downward to call for the gladiator's death.
In modern times, thumbs down has evolved into a symbolic gesture made by extending the thumb in a downward direction, often accompanying a disapproving facial expression. The gesture is commonly used to communicate negative sentiments such as strong disagreement, dislike, disapproval, or disappointment towards a certain idea, action, person, or situation.
Beyond physical actions, the phrase "thumbs down" has become idiomatic, functioning as a noun or verb to describe the act of expressing disapproval or rejecting something. For instance, one might receive a "thumbs down" from a reviewer for their performance, indicating a negative evaluation. In various online platforms, a thumbs down icon or symbol may be used to represent disapproval or to vote against a particular piece of content.
Overall, thumbs down symbolizes the universal communication of disapprobation and has gained popularity as a way to express negative judgments or reactions in both physical and digital contexts.
The etymology of the phrase "thumbs down" can be traced back to Ancient Rome. During the gladiatorial battles held in the Colosseum, the audience would use hand gestures to determine the fate of a defeated gladiator. The Latin phrase "pollice verso" (meaning "with a turned thumb") was used to describe this gesture. Contrary to popular belief, a downward thumb did not necessarily indicate death for the defeated gladiator. Instead, it signaled a request for mercy or spared the gladiator's life, while an upward thumb suggested the opposite. Over time, this thumbs down gesture became associated with disapproval and negative judgment, and the phrase "thumbs down" entered the English language as a metaphor for rejection or disapproval.
