12 Typically French Gestures You REALLY Need To Know (Not Found At Home!)

Understanding a culture also means picking up on the little things like gestures. This is especially true in France where people use their hands, faces, and even shoulders to express themselves in ways that words alone can’t!

French gestures are like a secret language, often paired with an expressive “Bof!” or “Pff!” When words fail, the famous “Gallic shrug” steps in – shoulders raised, hands down, face saying “Why bother?”

These gestures are a big part of how the French communicate every day. Here are 12 uniquely French gestures you must know about if you’re going to stay in France !

1. The “Bof” Gallic Shrug

The “Bof” Gallic Shrug is when someone slightly lifts one or both shoulders with a faint sigh or pout.

In France, it’s used to show indifference, doubt, or that they don’t care much about the situation.

Unlike the full shoulder shrug in the U.S., this one is more subtle and says, “Whatever”, “not my fault”, or “so what?”.

2. The “Don’t Know, Don’t Care” Mouth Fart

French people will often puf up their cheeks and blow out air through their tightened lips, creating a soft, fart-like sound. This is commonly used to express indifference, cluelessness, or that you’re not bothered by something.

This French “mouth fart” adds a slightly irreverent twist to expressing apathy. In the U.S., people might just shrug or say “whatever”.

3. The What a Drag” Shaving Hand

The “What a drag!” hand gesture involves making a loose fist and pretending to rub the top of it against your cheek, like you’re mimicking the act of shaving.

It means “c’est chiant”, expressing boredom with someone or something. In the U.S., people might just sigh or check their watch.

4. The “My Foot” Eye Lid Pull Down

This gesture involves using your index finger to slightly pull down the bottom lid of one eye. It’s used to express disbelief or skepticism, like saying, “Yeah, right!” sarcastically. It usually goes with the person saying “mon oeil!” (“my foot” in U.S talk)

In the U.S., people might just raise an eyebrow or say “I don’t buy it.” This French gesture is a more visual way to call someone out on something that seems untrue.

5. The “Fed Up!” Hand Over Head

You sweep your hand over the top of your head to signal that you’ve had enough, that you’re completely fed up or done with a situation. It usually goes with the sentence “Ras le bol!” (fed up)

In the U.S., there is a similar gesture that means something is “over my head” or confusing. The French version is more about reaching your limit with frustration.

6. The “A Little…” Hand Twist

This French gesture involves holding your hand palm down, slightly opened, and twisting it side to side in a small motion. It’s used to indicate that something is just a little bit or somewhat, like when you’re saying something is just okay or slightly off.

This is often accompanied with a slight tilting of the head as wwell.

7. The “Oulala!” (oh sh*t) Wrist Shake

This one involves raising your hand in front of your shoulder with your elbow slightly out, and shaking your hand loosely at the wrist while saying “Oh la la!”

It’s used to express surprise, shock, or sometimes disbelief, often in a exaggerated way. French people often make an “O” with their mouth at the same time.

In the U.S., people might widen their eyes or say “Wow”. The French wrist shake adds an extra layer of drama to the reaction.

8. The “S/he’s Drunk” Fist-to-Nose Screw

This gesture is done by making a fist and twisting it back and forth near your nose, as if you’re screwing something in and out. It’s used to suggest that someone is drunk or tipsy – the French expression is “Avoir un coup dans le nez” (litterally being hit in the nose).

In the U.S., people might mimic drinking or wobble their hand.

9. The “La Bise” Cheek Kiss

You probably know “La Bise” so typical of the French culture. It involves lightly touching cheeks with someone and making a soft kissing sound, often on both sides.

It’s a common greeting in France, used among friends, family, and sometimes even new acquaintances. In the U.S., handshakes or hugs are more typical. In France “La Bise” is a warm and familiar way to say hello or goodbye.

10. The “Ça Marche!” Thumb Flick

The “ça marche!” gesture involves flicking your thumb upward, usually with a slight wrist up and down motion. It’s a quick way to say “It’s all good” or “That works” in a casual setting. In the U.S., a simple thumbs-up might be used for the same meaning.

11. The “Oh Goodie!” Hands Rub

This one involves rubbing your palms together in anticipation, as if you’re getting ready for something exciting. It’s used when you’re eagerly expecting something great, like a delicious meal, making good money, or any exciting event.

In the U.S., people might clap their hands or say “I can’t wait”.

12. The “Délicieux!” Finger Tip Kiss

This gesture is done by bringing your fingers together, kissing the tips, and then spreading them away and outward, as if releasing the kiss into the air. It’s used to show that something, usually food, is absolutely delicious.

In the U.S., people might just say “delicious” or “so good.”