finger-wag
Chiding hand motion
Finger-wagging is the gesture of shaking an extended index finger back and forth at someone, typically to scold, warn, or express disapproval.
The motion mimics saying "no" and carries a tone of moral superiority or condescension: She gave him a finger-wag when he reached for another cookie.
As a verb, to finger-wag is to lecture or admonish in a self-righteous manner: Politicians love to finger-wag about family values.
Formal expression of disapproval
- admonishReprove with counsel
- chastiseReprimand severely for wrongdoing
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- berateCriticize severely and lengthily
upbraid · castigate · denounce · reproach · scold · criticize · blame · accuse
Careful attention to risk
- admonishReprove with counsel
- forewarnAlert in advance
- threatenPromise harm or punishment
- deterPrevent through intimidation
discourage · dissuade · signal · alert · remind · advise · prohibit · forbid
Voicing mild disapproval
- tut-tuttingMaking disapproving sounds
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
reproach · lecture · moralizing · sermonizing · shaming · nagging · hectoring · telling-off
Treating someone as inferior
- smugExcessively self-satisfied
- superiorHigher in rank
- dismissiveShowing contemptuous disregard
- disdainfulShowing open contempt
haughty · self-righteous · judgmental · holier-than-thou · preachy · sanctimonious · priggish · know-it-all
Strict or ship's aft
- commandingExerting strong authority
- parentalOf mothers and fathers
- teacherlyResembling an instructor
- bossyToo fond of directing others
assertive · domineering · imperious · dictatorial · disciplinarian · schoolmarm · matriarchal · patriarchal
Exact location or meaning
- shakeTrembling or blended treat
- waveOscillating motion through medium
- motionChange in position
- nonverbalNot using speech
admonishing · brandish · emphatic · theatrical · animated · expressive · pantomime
reprimand
Formal expression of disapproval
- admonishReprove with counsel
- chastiseReprimand severely for wrongdoing
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
berate · upbraid · castigate · denounce · reproach · scold · criticize · blame · accuse · condemn
caution
Careful attention to risk
deter · discourage · dissuade · signal · alert · remind · advise · prohibit · forbid
chiding
Voicing mild disapproval
- tut-tuttingMaking disapproving sounds
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
reprimand · reproach · lecture · moralizing · sermonizing · shaming · nagging · hectoring · telling-off · dressing-down
patronizing
Treating someone as inferior
- smugExcessively self-satisfied
- superiorHigher in rank
- dismissiveShowing contemptuous disregard
disdainful · haughty · self-righteous · judgmental · holier-than-thou · preachy · sanctimonious · priggish · know-it-all · supercilious
stern
Strict or ship's aft
- commandingExerting strong authority
- parentalOf mothers and fathers
- teacherlyResembling an instructor
bossy · assertive · domineering · imperious · dictatorial · disciplinarian · schoolmarm · matriarchal · patriarchal
point
Exact location or meaning
nonverbal · admonishing · brandish · emphatic · theatrical · animated · expressive · pantomime
finger-wagthumbs-up
Gesture indicating approval
applause · standing ovation · pat on the back · high-five · fist bump
finger-waggreen light
Authorization to proceed
go-ahead · blessing · permission · carte blanche · open invitation
finger-wagpraise
Expression of approval
commendation · attaboy · encouragement · endorsement · kudos
finger, wag, fingers, fingered, fingering, fingerless, wagged, wagging, wags