Scalia did not give the press the finger

[quaoar]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1154AP_Scalia_Gesture.html

WASHINGTON -- Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia used an Italian hand gesture when questioned by a reporter after attending church this past weekend.

The Boston Herald reported Monday that the justice made "an obscene gesture under his chin" - which prompted some online reports that Scalia had used his middle finger.

Untrue.

"It was a hand off the chin gesture that was meant to be dismissive," Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said.

Scalia, 70, is Italian and known for wisecracks in and out of court.

The sign he used in Boston is frequently used by Italians to express displeasure with someone - from mild to deep irritation. It is done by cupping the hand under the chin and flicking the fingers like a backward wave.

[aquart]

1. Anyone have the real history of that gesture?

Because I never thought it meant anything other than Fuck You.

A euphemistic hand sign?

Does it have a name in Italian? It must. If we have the name, we can trace the meaning of the gesture.

[regnaD kciN]

5. It's considered every bit as offensive in Italy...

...as "the bird" is here.

[Skittles]

2. that piece of crap is from NEW JERSEY

give me a break

[Viva_La_Revolution]

3. I'm not Italian

and that gesture means 'f*ck you' to me.

Has Scalia been living in Italy lately, or Amerika?

[NVMojo]

4. wow, quick PR recovery, Scalia!!!

wooooo!!!

:woohoo:

[napi21]

6. Yeah right! And that's why Scalia said "Don't publish that" as soon

as he saw the camera!!!!

Give me a damn break!

[pacalo]

7. He told the reporter not to print "that" (photograph of the gesture).

Why would he object to a photograph of his using an Italian hand gesture?

Because he's LYING.