An Aussie might appear to be waving to you, but if it's hot and dusty he is likely to be trying to swat the small flies buzzing around his head.
Two-fingered gestures depend on the direction of the thumb. If you make it toward you, it's an insult as bad as the U.S extended middle digit, says writer Cookie Curci. Thumb away and it's a V-for-victory or peace sign. Aussies mean nothing by that. Nor by a wink to a woman. It's just a friendly welcome, says Curci.
The formal British greeting, with a simple handshake, is as cordial as most Aussies want to be. Hugging is for close friends and a male-to-male kiss on the cheek is totally out.
Males will kiss female friends on the cheek in greeting much more often than in the United States, but less than in Europe.
Insulting gestures such extending a fist and slapping the opposite hand on a forearm are post-World War II imports from Europe and thus part of the Australian polyglot culture. Flipping off is universal, too.
