finger wag
Silent parental rebuke
A finger wag is a gesture of mild scolding or disapproval, made by holding up an index finger and moving it side to side.
Parents finger wag at misbehaving children; referees at fouling players.
The gesture carries a note of authority or moral superiority: She gave him a finger wag when he reached for another cookie.
To finger wag is also to lecture or moralize: Politicians love to finger wag about personal responsibility.
- scoldRebuke harshly
- admonishReprove with counsel
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
- shame on youSpoken moral rebuke
- tskClicking rebuke sound
no-no · bad boy · chide · reprimand · lecture · naughty · shame · not so fast · pointing · gesture · warning · mother · teacher · school principal · stern · rebuke · scolding · nanny
- gesturesgesture, hand gestures, applause, hand raise, tap on shoulder
- hand gestureswave, point, beckon, clap, snap
- mild punishmentswarning, reprimand, caution, scolding, timeout
- nonverbal signalsgesture, gestures, nod, wink, smile
- rejection gestureshead shake, palm out, crossed arms, dismissive wave, brush off
- Pointing Gestures
finger wagapplause
Collective hand-clapping approval
thumbs up · standing ovation · clapping · pat on the back · high five
finger wagopen arms
Welcoming body language
embrace · beckoning · handshake · warm smile · bow
finger waggreen light
Authorization to proceed
blessing · go-ahead · carte blanche · encouragement · endorsement
finger, wag, fingers, fingered, fingering, fingerless, fingertip, wagged, wagging