snapping one's fingers
Rhythmic hand percussion
Snapping one's fingers is a gesture made by pressing the thumb and middle finger together, then sliding them apart so the middle finger strikes the palm with a sharp click.
People snap their fingers to get someone's attention, to mark a rhythm, or to signal sudden realization or approval.
The phrase also suggests ease and speed: He could solve those problems in a snap of his fingers.
In some contexts, snapping at someone is considered rude or dismissive, as when summoning a waiter.
- thumbShort opposable digit
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
- rhythmPatterned stress and silence
- jazzImprovisational American music genre
- summoningCalling forth deliberately
keeping time · applause · body language · dexterity · beatboxing · improvisation · muscle memory · resonance · auditory feedback · signaling · volume · dance · vibration · tactile sensation · palm · coordination · performance · pitch
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