ear
A hand with the fingers splayed open, typically showing the palm towards the viewer. The index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinky finger are extended and spread apart, while the thumb is slightly curved inwards or extended.
There are different emoji meanings for ear in different cultures:
- Western culture
- Often used for 'stop' or 'talk to the hand' (dismissal). Can also be part of a 'high-five' or a general open-hand gesture.
- Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culture
- In some cultures, a similar gesture with the palm facing outwards (like the 'hamsa hand' or 'Fatima's hand') is a protective symbol against the evil eye. However, pointed directly at someone, especially with the palm facing outwards and fingers splayed, can sometimes be offensive or a warding-off gesture (akin to 'the evil eye' itself in some contexts).
- East Asian culture
- Generally understood as a 'stop' gesture or 'five'. Less associated with the 'talk to the hand' dismissive meaning seen in the West.
