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--- lore:gestures [2026/04/20 15:05] – lurker
+++ lore:gestures [2026/05/12 18:32] (current) – lurker
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 On [[Hearthside]], however, the gesture has a neutral to positive connotation similar to a thumbs-up. The origin of this usage is unclear, although the most common explanation given by Hearthsiders themselves is that it represents decisively pressing a button. It usually means something along the lines of "I'm on it" or "I got you covered".
-Hearthsider pups, particularly in larger cosmopolitan urban centers, who have grown up watching media produced in the Allied Worlds have begun interpreting the gesture in line with its use there. How one uses and perceives its use by others has become an inter-generational shibboleth, with older generations and less urban folk lamenting the new negative perception as more AW cultural imperialism.
+Hearthsider pups, particularly in larger cosmopolitan urban centers, who have grown up watching media produced in the Allied Worlds have begun interpreting the gesture in line with its use there. How one uses it and perceives its use by others has become an inter-generational shibboleth, with older generations and less urban folk lamenting the new negative perception as more AW cultural imperialism.
 A more niche gesture used in communities where yinrih and humans interact frequently involves lifting a rear paw and making a grasping or twiddling motion with the digits. This is specific to inter-species interactions. It's meant to highlight the anatomical differences between the two species, and especially the sometimes drastically different ergonomics and architecture that result from those differences. Intent can be anything from mocking to empathetic depending on context.
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 A flick f the left ear is similar to a sly wink. Flicking the right ear is used to show annoyance or aggravation. Flicking or sweeping both ears back is similar to a shrug. Pinning the ears back can express hostility or anger. Doing so while lowering the head and closing the eyes shows apprehension. Perking the ears up, like whisker twitching, is more an involuntary reaction to intense interest. Perking the ears while opening the eyes wide (with lids and all four bandpass membranes open wide) is like a goofy smile or excited grin.
+## Tail
+Flicking one's own side with the tip of the tail is like a dismissive hand wave. It can mean "don't bother me" or "go away" but also "don't concern yourself with that" or "never you mind". It's where tailstone got its name. When asked how this magenta crystal allowed instant communication over arbitrarily large distances the inventor just responded with this gesture.
+Flicking _someone else's_ side with the tip of the tail is an extremely vulgar gesture. It means more or less the same as the one-digit stomp described above, but has the added insult of invading the other person's personal space. It conveys that the flickee is a nuisance but is  easily "dealt with".
+Thumping the tail on the ground repeatedly can be a threat, like a gorilla beating its chest, but it can also be done when extremely anxious or stressed.
+## Body
+Rearing up on the hind feet and patting the belly twice with the left forepaw is like a handshake. **IMPORTANT:** you pat **your own** belly in response, not the other person's. It's not an invitation to a tummy rub. Many humans have found themselves on the wrong side of an assault charge this way. That being said, the gesture does convey a similar sentiment as a dog exposing its belly, to show you're opening up to the other person and trust them not to take advantage of your weakness.
+Lying down flat on the belly with the legs and head flat on the floor, AKA "splooting" is similar to genuflecting or kneeling.
 {{tag>culture}}