Thumbs have been a power signal for thousands of years. The Romans used them as a death signal. They are typically used to show dominance and sometimes aggressiveness. 1. Thumbs Protruding From Coat Pockets This is often used by bosses and people in superior positions. 2. Thumbs Protruding From the Back Pocket Here the person is trying to hide their dominant attitude. 3. Arms Folded, Thumbs Pointing Upwards This shows a defensive or negative attitude coupled with a superior attitude. 4. Thumb Wag / Point The thumb in this instance can be used as a pointer to ridicule someone. Women find this very irritating – especially when a man does it.
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