"When dining in France, that innocent OK sign you flash to show approval could land you in hot water with your server. If you have a habit of throwing the OK sign - index finger and thumb forming an O with other fingers extended to signal you're happy with the service - the server at that cute bistro you decided to visit might not take it very well."
"You see, in France, the meaning of the OK gesture is the complete opposite of what it is in the U.S. Rather than forming the word "OK," in France, the "O" sign represents the literal number zero. So, when you gesture at something with this sign, you're actually saying that it's worthless or bad (giving it "zero points"). Directed at someone? Then you just told them they're a "big zero.""
Many common hand gestures carry different meanings across cultures. In France, the OK hand sign — index finger and thumb forming an O — communicates the number zero and implies something is worthless or bad. Using that gesture toward a dish or a server can be taken as a serious insult, though some servers may understand a mistaken intent. A safer positive gesture in France is the thumb-up or double thumb-up. Travelers should also learn simple French praise phrases such as "C'est délicieux" to clearly express appreciation and avoid awkward dining faux pas.
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