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But Why, Though: Where the Thumbs-Up Came From


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This document traces the fascinating journey of the thumbs-up gesture—from misunderstood signals in Roman gladiator arenas to digital approval icons used across social media platforms. Exploring its roles in medieval guilds, wartime communication, and Hollywood popularization, it also sheds light on the gesture’s cultural misinterpretations and global evolution. The essay reveals how a simple hand sign has become a complex symbol of approval, readiness, and even conflict.
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Study Hall HQBy C. Lege