Hip Hop hand gestures

[David H]

I have been told the 'Ali G' style hand gestures used by all the young posers both sides of the Atlantic all have different meanings. So all the sticking out of various fingers, arm positions etc. are actually their basic version of sign language. Any translations please?

[smorodina]

I think a lot of the kids who use them now probably don't know what they mean, but they are, I think, derived from gang signs like these: http://www.velocity.net/~acekc/gangsign.htm

[SaxyDan]

Thumb tucked into palm, little finger and index fingers spread, middle and ring fingers crossed: This makes a 'W' sign and means 'westside' used by gangs on Americas West Coast. Same gesture for 'eastside' but the hand is turned ninety degrees anticlockwise (to form an 'E').

[David H]

Thanks Dan, So though very fitting in LA, pretty superfluous in Harlesden/ Staines/ Brent Cross etc. where they're now equally popular! Can you find me one for NW9?