Tapping The Side Of Your Nose| Meaning And Examples

Some things, like the meaning behind tapping the side of your nose, are expressed through physical gestures and require further explanation before you can start using them confidently. Phrases and sayings don’t explain everything in the English language.

The gesture of tapping the side of your nose may seem subtle, but it carries deeper meanings that vary by culture. In some contexts, it signals a shared secret or understanding, while in others, it can even be a warning. Understanding these nuances is key if you want to use this gesture yourself. Whether you’re in the UK, Italy, or France, this action is often a playful, silent form of communication.

So, what does this gesture truly mean, and when should you use it?

What Does Tapping The Side Of Your Nose Mean?

When someone taps the side of their nose, it can signify a few things. First, it’s often used to indicate that the person is keeping a secret or sharing one. Second, it might mean that they are telling you to trust them because they have special knowledge. This gesture typically follows after they’ve finished speaking, adding a layer of mystery or trust to their words.

What Is The Origin Of Tapping The Side Of Your Nose?

The origins of this gesture seem to stem from the game charades, a fun party game where people act out clues. In charades, when someone taps their nose, they’re signaling that their team has guessed the correct answer from their silent acting. Over time, however, the gesture has evolved beyond the game. It’s now more widely used to indicate keeping a secret or deliberately omitting information, even when someone knows you’re holding something back.

The gesture has also spread to other contexts and cultures, where it takes on slightly different meanings depending on the country. Yet, it’s still primarily recognized as a sign of confidentiality or knowledge that isn’t being fully shared.

Does Tapping The Side Of Your Nose Have Different Meanings In Different Countries?

Yes, the gesture of tapping the side of your nose has varying meanings depending on the country, with Britain being the most well-known for using it.

• Britain: The British commonly use this gesture to indicate that they’re keeping a secret or have confidential knowledge. It can also suggest, “I’m in the know,” meaning the person has inside information.
• Italy: In Italy, the gesture takes on a different meaning, often used to say “watch out!” This could be a threat, warning someone who has offended you, or a genuine call for caution to protect someone from danger.
• France: In France, tapping your nose twice can imply that your intuition is telling you something isn’t right. It could also mean that you’re conversing with a clever person or pointing out a potential threat.
• Belgium: In Belgium, the gesture is primarily used to indicate a threat, similar to France, but it can also have the more familiar connotation of keeping a secret.

In all of these places, the gesture serves as a non-verbal communication tool to convey something without using words. However, it’s important to note the cultural differences to avoid accidentally sending the wrong message.

When Should You Tap The Side Of Your Nose?

While it can be tempting to use this gesture, there are certain situations where it’s appropriate and others where it’s not. It’s not the most subtle gesture, so be mindful of your surroundings. If you’re going to use it, make sure the person you’re directing it toward is paying attention and that no one else nearby might misinterpret your actions.

Using this gesture in professional settings, like a workplace, is generally a bad idea. Your boss or colleagues might wonder what you’re hiding, which could lead to unnecessary tension.

Should You Always Tap The Side Of Your Nose Twice?

There are no strict rules on how many times you should tap your nose, but two taps have become the widely accepted standard. Tapping once might be mistaken for simply scratching your nose, while more than two taps could make you look odd or like you’re clearing your nose.

The two-tap rule makes the gesture clear and recognizable without overstaying its welcome. Be sure to tap quickly and confidently so that the other person understands your intention without confusion.

How Should You React When Someone Else Is Tapping The Side Of Their Nose?

If someone taps the side of their nose around you, the best way to react is by showing respect for the gesture. This could mean keeping a secret they’ve just told you or respecting their decision to keep something private.

It’s important not to draw attention to the gesture or announce it publicly. The point of tapping the nose is often to communicate something between two people discreetly. Calling attention to it could embarrass the person or lead to unwanted questions.

However, if the secret might be harmful to someone, you may need to speak up. It’s better to seek help if you feel the information could cause damage.

Examples Of Situations Where You Can Tap The Side Of Your Nose

Here are a few scenarios where you might use the gesture to convey secrecy or knowledge:

• “I have a secret to tell you! I’m not sure if I want to, though! It’s really juicy.” Taps the side of the nose.
• “I hope you can keep this secret with me! Don’t go blabbing.” Taps the side of the nose.
• “I’m not going to tell you who I fancy! That’s for me to know and me to know only!” Taps the side of the nose.
• “Trust me; I know all about that. You don’t need to worry about a thing.” Taps the side of the nose.
• “You aren’t going to get that information out of me! My lips are sealed!” Taps the side of the nose.
• “I can’t possibly tell you more! You wish you could know, but I’m stronger than that!” Taps the side of the nose.
• “Will you keep a secret? I’ve got a good one.” Taps the side of the nose.
• “Where are we going for our date, you ask? That’s for me to know and you to find out.” Taps the side of the nose.
• “I bet you’d like to know. Unfortunately, I won’t tell you!” Taps the side of the nose.

In each of these examples, you’ll notice that the person says something first, then taps the side of their nose. This ensures the person they’re speaking to understands that a secret is being shared or withheld.

Try using this gesture next time you have something private to keep, but be careful not to overdo it!

FAQs:

What does tapping the side of your nose mean? 

Tapping the side of your nose usually signals secrecy or shared knowledge. In most cases, it indicates that the person either knows something confidential or is about to share a secret. It can also mean “Trust me, I know,” showing confidence in the information being shared.

Is tapping the side of your nose a universal gesture? 

No, this gesture is not universal. In different cultures, it holds varied meanings. For instance, in Britain, it often relates to keeping secrets, while in Italy, it can be a warning to “watch out!” In France, it might imply suspicion, signaling that something is amiss.

What is the origin of tapping the side of your nose? 

The origin of this gesture is believed to stem from charades, where participants would tap their nose to signal that their team guessed the correct answer. Over time, this simple action evolved, taking on deeper, more secretive connotations, especially in casual settings.

Should you always tap the side of your nose twice? 

While there are no hard rules, people often tap the side of their nose twice. A single tap could be mistaken for scratching, while more than two taps might look odd. The double tap has become the widely recognized standard for indicating secrecy or shared knowledge.

When is it inappropriate to use this gesture? 

It’s best to avoid using this gesture in formal settings or the workplace, as it could be seen as unprofessional. Also, if others around you aren’t part of the conversation, they might feel excluded or suspicious of your intentions.

What should you do if someone taps the side of their nose to you? 

If someone taps the side of their nose, respect their privacy. It usually means they’re sharing something confidential or don’t want certain information to be revealed. Don’t draw attention to the gesture, and honor the trust they’ve placed in you.

Conclusion:

Tapping the side of your nose is a fascinating, non-verbal cue used to convey everything from secrets to warnings. Whether you’re in Britain, Italy, or beyond, this gesture speaks volumes without a single word. But remember, like any form of communication, it’s all about context. Use it wisely, and be mindful of its different meanings across cultures. As they say, “Actions speak louder than words,” and this tiny gesture certainly proves it. Keep it subtle, and always respect the shared understanding.