wagging finger
Wordless parental disapproval
A wagging finger is a gesture of scolding or warning, the index finger moving side to side or up and down to admonish someone: She shook a wagging finger at the children.
The image often represents moralizing or lecturing: politicians wagging their fingers at voters about personal responsibility.
A finger-wagging tone is preachy and disapproving.
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- lecturingGiving an instructive talk
- admonishingExpressing disapproval firmly
- tsk-tskReproachful clicking sound
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
reprimand · pointing · gesture · stern · chiding · warning · don't you dare · motherly · strict teacher · teacher · nagging · shaking · index · no-no · I told you so · rebuke · authority · tut-tut
- showing disapprovalbooing, hissing, jeering, frowning, scowling
- aging humorretirement jokes, senior moments, senior moment, over the hill, old timer
- reproofsscolding, rebuke, reprimand, admonishment, admonition
wagging fingerthumbs-up
Gesture indicating approval
thumbs up · applause · standing ovation · pat on the back · high five
wagging fingerwarm embrace
Affectionate encircling hold
open arms · praise · compliment · affirmation · validation
wagging fingeropen arms
Welcoming body language
green light · come-hither · ushering in · open door policy · blessing