finger wagging
Lecturing hand motion
Finger wagging is the gesture of pointing an index finger and moving it side to side, typically to scold, warn, or express disapproval.
The phrase often describes sanctimonious lecturing or moralizing: The editorial was just finger wagging about kids these days.
Someone who engages in this is a finger wagger, and the behavior reads as condescending or preachy.
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- lecturingGiving an instructive talk
- admonishingExpressing disapproval firmly
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
- tsk-tskReproachful clicking sound
tut tut · nagging · reproach · chiding · stern · moralistic · preachy · moral high ground · condescending · sanctimonious · holier-than-thou · hectoring · berating · reprimand · slap on the wrist · schoolmarm · pointing · accusatory
- body languagegestures, facial expressions, hand gestures, posture, nodding
- disciplinemisconduct, violation, time-out, timeout, grounded
- Bernie SandersVermont, Burlington, white hair, glasses, Brooklyn accent
- criticismcriticism, critique, review, feedback, opinion
- condescensionpatronizing, belittling, talking down, talk down, superiority
finger waggingthumbs up
Gesture signaling approval
praise · approval · applause · pat on the back · commendation
finger waggingtolerance
Willingness to accept difference
permissiveness · live and let live · acceptance · non-judgment · open-mindedness
finger waggingencouragement
Support spurring continued effort
support · reassurance · affirmation · validation · understanding
finger, wagging, fingers, fingered, fingering, wagged, waggle, waggish