The History of the Middle Finger.

**Piggybank Cop** · 07-01-06, 11:41 AM

The History of the Middle Finger.

Well, now......here's something I never knew before, and now that I know it, I feel compelled to send it on to my more intelligent friends in the hope that they, too, will feel edified. Isn't history more fun when you know something about it?

Before the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the French, anticipating victory over the English, proposed to cut off the middle finger of all captured English soldiers. Without the middle finger it would be impossible to draw the renowned English longbow and therefore they would be incapable of fighting in the future. This famous English longbow was made of the native English Yew tree, and the act of drawing the longbow was known as "plucking the yew" (or "pluck yew").

Much to the bewilderment of the French, the English won a major upset and began mocking the French by waving their middle fingers at the defeated French, saying, See, we can still pluck yew!

Since 'pluck yew' is rather difficult to say, the difficult consonant cluster at the beginning has gradually hanged to a labiodentals fricative F', and thus the words often used in conjunction with the one-finger-salute! It is also because of the pheasant feathers on the arrows used with the longbow that the symbolic gesture is known as "giving the bird."

IT IS STILL AN APPROPRIATE SALUTE TO THE FRENCH TODAY! And yew thought yew knew every plucking thing!!

(Couldn't find the appropriate smiley, this will have to do.)

**BigDawg** · 07-01-06, 11:44 AM

I don't know if I should believe him on this....or just continue thinking that someone has entirely to much time on their hands!!!

**Piggybank Cop** · 07-01-06, 11:48 AM

Oh yeah; well Dutch Elm you!

**Trojan 42** · 07-01-06, 03:34 PM

Actually I think you'll find that the French used to cut off the first two fingers, to prevent drawing the bow. Which is why it's a Two fingered insult used over here and not the American One finger salute.

**Piggybank Cop** · 07-01-06, 04:30 PM

Sir Winston did a great picture to illustrate the afore mentioned digital expression.

**Falcata** · 07-01-06, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by Trojan 42

Actually I think you'll find that the French used to cut off the first two fingers, to prevent drawing the bow. Which is why it's a Two fingered insult used over here and not the American One finger salute.

Trojan...you are quite correct..

**AgentParsons** · 07-01-06, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by Trojan 42

Actually I think you'll find that the French used to cut off the first two fingers, to prevent drawing the bow. Which is why it's a Two fingered insult used over here and not the American One finger salute.

Americans are a lazy sort; thats why we use only one finger!