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August 03, 2005
Vishy's Useless Factoid of the Day #18: Nodding and shaking in Bulgaria
Visitors to India often complain about the strange way Indians nod. In India, the neck is craned rapidly to the left and to the right to signify a 'yes'. This different way of nodding is hardly a cause for complaints when you consider what other cultures do to signify 'yes' and 'no' nonverbally. In Bulgaria, nodding your head in an up-down motion signifies 'no' and shaking your head from side to side signifies 'yes'. No really! It's the complete opposite of what English speakers are used to.
So, to all the guys: if you're in the midst of a particularly steamy night with a girl at a club, if she shakes her head, she does not mean yes. Take it as a no before you get into a date-rape situation. However, if you're in Bulgaria (and being an Eastern European country, the girls are particularly hot), an apparent 'no' may actually mean you'll get lucky that night.
Posted by Vishy at August 3, 2005 12:00 AM