Hawaiian peace sign
n.— «Some refer to it the Hawaiian Peace sign. It’s been termed “flippin’ the bird,” and Dale Earnhart used to call it, “just tellin’ him he’s number one.” But whatever it’s called, they did it in the open, right where you could see.» —“Lawmakers take their parting shots” by David Smith Lebanon Daily News (Pennsylvania) Jan. 20, 2007. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Mary Beth in Greenville, South Carolina, wonders: Why do we say four-oh-nine for the number 409 instead of four-zero-nine or four-aught-nine? What are the rules for saying either zero or oh or aught or ought to indicate that arithmetical symbol...
Astronauts returning from space say they experience what’s called the overview effect, a new understanding of the fragility of our planet and our need to reflect on what humans all share as a species. A book about the end of the universe...
I have a recollection of the term being used during the USS Pueblo incident in 1968. The American spy ship, the USS Pueblo, was captured by the North Koreans. When the American prisoners were photographed as a group some of them were photographed with their middle finger extended. When their captors questioned the meaning of the gesture they were told that it was the Hawaiian Peace Sign. If I recall correctly it was used as a signal that they were not being treated well.
“Some refer to it the Hawaiian Peace sign.”
No. very wrong. “some” do not. thank god.