Guy: The story of the archer and the two fingers being cut off is likely accurate and helps explain why this gesture is predominantly associated with English-derived cultures.
However, the middle finger gesture actually originates from the American War of Independence, which is why Americans have adopted a different gesture.
During this period, the Redcoats and their "Tory" civilian supporters would use the two-finger gesture as a sign of contempt towards the Revolutionary Militia and civilians. Instead of simply mirroring this gesture, the locals created the middle finger sign as a counter. The sexual symbolism—of a male sign countering and possibly overcoming a female sign—was deliberate.
Celia:
This may indeed be true, but the two-finger salute is now more common in England. The Dutch also use it, but I wonder what gesture the French employ?
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