I pointed the camera at a girl buying snacks at a bus stop and she responded with a peace sign

In The Brain That Evolved Too Much, Japanese neuroscientist Yuji Ikegaya writes that facial expressions are remarkably universal among humans. Even when you're in a country where you don’t speak the language, a smile tends to be returned with a smile, and a furrowed brow will likely signal discomfort or disapproval. No translation needed—our facial muscles often speak louder than words.

But body language? That’s a different story.

In Japan or the United States, nodding usually means “yes.” But in Bulgaria, it actually means “no.” In Iran, a flick of the chin doesn’t mean “go away” like it might elsewhere—it too means “no.” Gestures that seem second nature in one culture can carry entirely different meanings in another.

One day, while reading an article about cultural differences in body language, one line stopped me in my tracks:

“In the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Pakistan, the reversed peace sign—holding up two fingers with the back of the hand facing outward—is considered just as offensive as raising your middle finger.”

I froze.

A memory came rushing back to me.

In the bustling streets of Mumbai, I had once pointed my camera at a young girl happily munching on a snack. She smiled brightly—and flashed a reversed peace sign.

Was it meant as an insult?

No… I don’t think so.

More likely, she was simply imitating a pose she’d seen on TV or a smartphone screen, unaware of its deeper cultural connotations. Like a child repeating a new English word without fully understanding it, she was just playing around, having fun in front of the lens.

At least, that’s what I want to believe.

And honestly? I think that’s the truth.

After all, her face was all smiles.

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