A polite but firm “no” from another era

Going back a few generations, the fig sign was mainly used to express a refusal without being abrupt. A way of saying "you won't get anything from me" while avoiding tension.

In many 19th-century French villages, it was used discreetly to deflect a request, calm insistence, or express disagreement without raising one's voice. Imagine an overly curious neighbor or a persistent salesperson: a simple gesture from behind the window was enough to say it all. No outburst, no conflict… just a subtle, ironic gesture.

A protective symbol with very ancient origins

Before entering everyday language, the gesture had a deeper dimension. In several Eastern European traditions, particularly in popular cultures, it was considered a small talisman against undesirable influences.

The fist symbolized inner strength, and the folded thumb represented a "key" meant to preserve positive energy. This symbol was sometimes kept in a pocket or under a coat for courage, much like we might carry a lucky charm today.

Nothing magical, simply a reassuring family belief, a ritual passed down from generation to generation.

The unspoken language of the school playground

In the memories of many of us, the fig is also part of childhood games. A promise that we pretended to accept, a service that we gently dodged… and hey presto, a fig behind our back, laughing.

This playful little code allowed for gentle teasing, testing boundaries, or inventing a secret language. Grandmothers, for their part, often saw it as a gentle piece of advice: "If someone bothers you, just give them the cold shoulder and walk away." A simple way to learn about boundaries and humor.

A discreet gesture that also accompanied difficult times

Some family stories tell of people slipping this gesture into their pocket during important trials, as an intimate reminder: "keep the faith, you are stronger than you think."

It wasn't a sign of defiance, but a gesture of comfort, almost meditative. A way of keeping a familiar symbol close at hand.

Why did he disappear?

Because our communication has become digital: we say "no" with an emoji, we send a wink, a thumbs up, a heart. The fig hasn't completely disappeared, but it survives mainly in memories, family anecdotes, and certain local traditions.

Yet, it remains a charming symbol: a silent message, a gentle refusal, a protective wink. A way to express what words don't always dare to say, a  discreet folk tradition  that still survives. Today, it embodies an  ancient gestural memory  that continues to touch us with its simplicity.