THUMBS UP Meaning and
Definition
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Thumbs up is a widely recognized hand gesture that represents approval, support, or agreement. It consists of extending the thumb upward while keeping the other fingers folded or closed. The gesture gets its meaning from ancient Roman Gladiator contests, where the thumb was used to deliver a verdict on a defeated fighter's fate. A thumbs up was a positive decision, indicating that the fighter's life should be spared, while a thumbs down meant they should be condemned to death.
In contemporary usage, giving a thumbs up signalizes a positive or favorable response in various situations. It is commonly used to show agreement, acceptance, or satisfaction with a particular idea, statement, or proposal. The gesture is also employed to express encouragement, admiration, or approval for someone's action, achievement, or performance.
Furthermore, the thumbs up sign has become widely prevalent in digital communication due to its incorporation into emoji systems. It is an emoticon representing the same positive meaning in online conversations, social media interactions, and texting. This thumb icon can convey a plethora of sentiments, including appreciation, encouragement, and approval across various digital platforms.
Overall, the thumbs up gesture, both in physical and digital form, has become an emblem of positivity and agreement, providing a concise and easily recognizable way to express one's satisfaction, acceptance, encouragement, or approval.
Common Misspellings for THUMBS UP
- thumbsup
- thunbs-up
- tumbs-up
- thums-up
- thumsup
- rhumbs up
- fhumbs up
- ghumbs up
- yhumbs up
- 6humbs up
- 5humbs up
- tgumbs up
- tbumbs up
- tnumbs up
- tjumbs up
- tuumbs up
- tyumbs up
- thymbs up
- thhmbs up
- thjmbs up
Etymology of THUMBS UP
The phrase "thumbs up" originates from ancient Rome. During gladiatorial contests, the fate of a losing gladiator often rested in the hands of the emperor or the spectators. While many believe that a thumbs up gesture signified mercy and sparing the gladiator's life, it is actually the opposite. The Latin phrase "pollice verso" meaning "with a turned thumb" was used to describe the gesture. However, the specific gesture is not clearly defined in historical records, leading to different interpretations. Some historians argue that a thumbs up gesture with the thumb turned towards the chest meant death, while a thumbs down gesture with the thumb turned away indicated mercy. Others believe the opposite to be true. Thus, the exact interpretation of the thumbs up gesture in ancient Rome is still a matter of debate. Nevertheless, the phrase "thumbs up" has now become synonymous with approval or a positive response in contemporary usage.
Idioms with the word THUMBS UP
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give sth the thumbs up
The idiom "give something the thumbs up" means to give approval, endorsement, or support to something or someone. It signifies a positive evaluation or agreement with a particular action, decision, or idea. The expression is derived from the act of raising one's thumb to indicate approval, like a thumbs-up gesture.
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turn thumbs up (on sm or sth)
The idiom "turn thumbs up (on sm or sth)" means to approve, support, or show agreement with something or someone. It derives from the ancient Roman practice of giving a thumbs-up gesture to signal approval or encouragement during gladiatorial contests.
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give (something) the thumbs up
The idiom "give (something) the thumbs up" means to express approval or give a positive review or endorsement of something. It suggests that the person is signaling their agreement or acceptance of a particular thing or idea.
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(give a) thumbs up to sb/sth
The idiom "thumbs up to sb/sth" typically means to express approval, support, or agreement towards someone or something. It originates from the gesture of raising one's thumb upward, which generally symbolizes a positive evaluation or endorsement.
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turn thumbs up
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thumbs up
A positive sign or gesture indicating approval, agreement, or satisfaction.
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