sign of the horns: light skin tone
Unicode: 1F918 1F3FB
Description
A hand with its index finger and little finger extended, forming the sign for 'rock and roll' or 'I love you' in American Sign Language, with a light skin tone.
Group:
People & Body > hand-fingers-partial
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Often conveys enthusiasm, approval, or a rebellious attitude. In American Sign Language (ASL), when the thumb is also extended, it means 'I love you'. Without the thumb, it's typically 'rock on' or 'devil horns'.
Backstory
The 'Sign of the Horns' has roots in ancient Paganism and was famously popularized by rock musicians, especially Ronnie James Dio. Its ASL 'I love you' meaning was introduced by deaf community members in the 1970s, combining elements of the ASL letters I, L, and Y.
Usage Examples
- Expressing excitement at a concert: 'Rock on! 🤘'
- Showing approval: 'That's awesome! 🤘'
- Sending a loving message in ASL: 'Love you! 🤘'
- In a playful, rebellious context: 'Living life on the edge! 🤘'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Widely recognized as 'rock and roll' or 'devil horns' in music subcultures. In ASL, it means 'I love you'.
Mediterranean and Latin American cultures:
Can be interpreted as an insult, particularly if pointed at someone, implying a cuckold or someone whose spouse is unfaithful.
Buddhism and Hinduism:
Used in various mudras (hand gestures) with spiritual or ritual significance, though the specific meaning depends on the context and the placement of the thumb.