View sign 'how'

how

Description

Make sign for YES, usually moving hand downwards and to left, giving in this way emphasis as pronounced or decided yes.


References: yes
Synonyms: approval, hello, yes

Notes

The sign for YES states to move the hand slightly left and a little downwards compared to this where you would move it more for emphasis.

Clark notes that the Indians have learned this word from us, using it as a salutation, and also as an expression of consent and approval. They have no such expression as "Gooding-morning," "Good-evening." or anything very similar, but instead they usually say "Fill up the pipe; let us smoke," which supplies the want and reddems their meetings, on entering each other's lodges, from an appearance of sulkiness or gruffness.

After a long absence, or a special favor given and received, Indians frequently embrace. In parting with their husbands, brothers, fathers, and sweethearts, the women usually pass the palms of the hands down from the neck over the breast of the man, and accomply this pathetic blessing with sobs and tears and piteous wailings. The man stands apparently unmoved during this affectionate demonstration, and particularly is this the case if other people witness the separation.

Tomkins does not mention this sign.