The Finger
The finger is one of the most ancient insult gestures and was seen as phallic in meaning. The earliest attested reference to the finger comes from Ancient Greece when it was known as the κατάπυγον (katapugon, from kata - κατά, "downwards" and pugē - πυγή, "rump, buttocks") and reference is made to using the finger in ancient Greek comedy to insult another person, where the term katapugon also meant "a male (or a female, katapugaina) who submits to anal penetration". In Ancient Roman writings it is identified as the digitus impudicus (impudent finger) and the widespread usage of the finger in many cultures is likely because of the geographical influence of the Roman Empire and Greco-Roman civilization.[citation needed] Another possible origin of this gesture can be found in the first-century Mediterranean world, where extending the finger was one of many methods used to divert the ever-present threat of the evil eye offense.