Traditionally in Britain, the V-sign with palm facing inward is considered a grave insult. The sign still basically retains its insulting connotation in modern Britain. This is despite the growing popularity of the middle finger as an alternative insult and the evolution of the V-sign with palm outward as a sign of victory or peace in other countries.

There is a story that the V-sign as an insult started during the Battle of Agincourt between the English and French in 1415 during the Hundred Years War. The English longbowmen at this time were known for their skill. The French boasted that they would cut off the arrow fingers of any English archer they could capture. Some accounts of the story go as far as to say that the French actually performed their threat.

Fortunately for the English, they won the battle. The V-sign insult was then said to have been used at this time by the English to taunt their French opponents.

Fact or Fiction?
Probably Fiction

Many historians agree that it is hard to pin down the origins of the V-sign to the Battle of Agincourt. There are no clear documents and proof that support this theory. Some say that the story is simply a myth. The real origin of the sign however, largely remains a mystery.

Bonus Trivia: During the Second World War, Winston Churchill attempted to attack a new meaning to the V-sign. For him it meant victory. He initially used the sign with palm facing inward. Later on in the war however, he reversed his palm to face outward. It has been suggested that someone might have told him what the palm inward version meant for the masses.

*Photo by richardaustin1