Talk:Index finger

This:

During the Bosnian war, Orthodox Serbo-Bosnian troops raised two fingers in a victory sign (maybe related to Orthodox versions of the sign of the cross), Catholic Bosnian Croats raised three fingers (for Trinity) and Muslims raised the forefinger (after the strict monotheism of Islam).

...gets it all wrong: in fact, it was Croats who raised two fingers, and Serbs raised three. Consequently, attempted explanations are also wrong. I've corrected this in the Sign of the cross article and copied it here verbatim; see also Talk:Sign of the cross. GregorB 21:49, Apr 23, 2005 (UTC)

'== Why it's called the 'index' finger ==

Umm...the middle finger wasn't called the index finger in the past because it was used to 'flip through index cards.' This is so ridiculously erroneous. Index means 'something that points or directs', so it was called 'index' finger because it points at things, not because its used to flip through index cards. Whoever wrote that is clearly a dumbass and shouldn't be allowed to write on wikipedia ever again.'

Actually, the middle finger isn't called the index finger at all. Perhaps some should check their own accuracy prior to criticizing others.

And finally, the word 'index' comes from the Middle English word for forefinger, from IE root deik-, the same root from which we get 'digit.'

PS: sign talk pages with four tildes (~). JordeeBec 18:45, 10 April 2007 (UTC)

Ratio with ring finger

Over the years several studies have indicated several behaviour and medical aspects which the ratio between ring finger and index finger plays a part in, as a guide of testerone levels.

• BBC:Finger length heart attack clue
• BBC:Finger length 'key to aggression'
• BBC:Fingers 'a clue to exam success'

Wondering if this should somehow be incorporated into either article or in an article of its own. --Stalfur 10:53, 23 May 2007 (UTC)

This article fails pretty hard. Needs a better picture. That hand and wrist look like a skeleton. Also, needs moar mudkips. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 137.73.126.169 (talk) 13:03, 21 November 2007 (UTC)

Men are 2.5 times more likely than women to have an index finger which is shorter than their ring finger, and such ratios correlate with an increased likelihood of osteoarthritis, especially for women.

This sentence may be somewhat confusing because it speaks about men but ends with "especially for women", making the reader ask, "Wait--this was talking about men, right?"
I'm not saying it sounds wrong, just need a slight rewording so readers don't have to do a double-take.

in europe

in Europe pointing, is generally consider rude. as u could accidental point at a person, which can offend some people (and gets u an evil glance) Markthemac (talk) 00:38, 26 January 2009 (UTC)

I don't think that should be included here. Instead perhaps a link to Types_of_gestures#Pointing.