Cyprus Gesture Warning: The "Moutza" Insult

In Cyprus (and Greece), the gesture of extending the palm forward with fingers spread, thrust toward someone's face—known as the moutza (μούντζα)—is a grave insult. It is not the "two fingers between nose and mouth" described in some sources; that appears to be a confusion.

The Actual Moutza

• Gesture: Open palm, fingers spread, arm extended toward target, often with forward thrust
• Meaning: "To hell with you," "Get lost," "You're nothing" — extreme contempt
• Double moutza: Both hands, one behind the other — maximum intensity
• Verbal accompaniment: Often "Na!" (Here!) or "Par' ta!" (Take it!)

Historical Origin

Byzantine era: Judges sentenced criminals by rubbing ash/cinder (moutzos) on their faces with an open palm. The gesture mimicked this humiliation. It survives as a purely symbolic curse.

Cultural Context

• Highly offensive — equivalent to middle finger but more culturally loaded
• Used in traffic disputes, arguments, political protests
• Can constitute criminal insult under Greek/Cypriot law (Art. 361 Penal Code)
• Tourists sometimes mimic it playfully — locals do not find this amusing

Related Gestures to Avoid

• Mountza variants: Palm down, fingers tapping palm ("You're crazy")
• "Fig sign" (fist, thumb between index/middle): Also obscene in Greece/Cyprus
• OK sign (thumb-index circle): Can mean "asshole" in Mediterranean contexts

Positive Alternative

The "evil eye" amulet (mati) — blue glass eye — is worn/gifted for protection. Making the sign of the cross when passing a church is respectful. Learning kalimera (good morning), efharisto (thank you), parakalo (please/you're welcome) goes infinitely further.