There is a gesture Italians make by pinching all five fingertips together, pointing them upward, and shaking the hand slightly — often glossed abroad as “chef’s kiss,” though it really means something closer to “what do you want?” or “what are you talking about?” Linguists sometimes call it the mano a borsa, the “purse hand,” and it is only one entry in a repertoire that researchers have counted in the hundreds. This is Guide № 004 in The Love Italy Guide series.
In this guide
- Why Italians Gesture So Much
- The Gestures You Will Actually See
- How Meaning Shifts by Region and Context
- A Short Etiquette for Visitors
- Where the Tradition Comes From
- Myths Worth Retiring
- Frequently Asked Questions
Get Guide № 004 — Italian Hand Gestures (Free PDF)
Enter your email and we will send it straight to your inbox.
More Love Italy Guides
The Love Italy Guide is a numbered series — one tightly focused subject at a time, each with its own downloadable collectible edition.
Secure Your Dream Italian Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Italy? Don’t let sold-out tours or overcrowded attractions spoil your adventure. Unmissable experiences like exploring the Colosseum, gliding through Venice on a gondola, or marvelling at the Sistine Chapel often book up fast—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Italy's hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!