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title: In Australia, what actions are considered offensive?
---

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**Answers: B and D - Thumbs Up and Palm-in "V for Victory"**

**Gestures and body language**

Australians appreciate a firm handshake but keep it brief. Other kinds of physical contact are not common. Australians prefer to keep at least an arm's length distance when talking.

The "V for Victory" sign is sometimes used in Australia as it is in the United Kingdom. This is the hand raised, palm facing away from you, with the first and middle fingers raised in a "V" shape. Do not confuse this with the gesture made with the palm facing toward you, as this is an insult. The "thumbs up" gesture can also be perceived as an insult.

*Excerpted from Living Abroad's Australia report. **Social customs / Gestures and body language***

*Written by Michael Cadden, SGMS-T, VP International Operations*

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