12 Hand Signals Teens Make & What They Mean. Whenever they pass each other on or in the water the do the Shaka gesture to acknowledge one another. The sign for the letters I, L, and Y combine to form the gesture. The shaka sign, sometimes known as "hang loose," is a gesture of friendly intent often associated with Hawaii and surf culture.It consists of extending the thumb and smallest finger while holding the three middle fingers curled, and gesturing in salutation while presenting the front or back of the hand; the hand may be rotated back and forth for emphasis. Sure it can be a way to say “hey” or “that’s cool,” but it holds a much deeper meaning. Throwing up the shaka sign creates a pixel of distance from the crushing effort that the world, lately, requires us grown ups to muster, in order to live amidst despair. Unlock the meaning of these ancient gestures A woman performs the Namaskara gesture, a traditional Indian greeting with hands in front of chest and a slight bow. Parenting. Shaka sign. (Martin Harvey/Corbis) By . Unlike many signs used today, the shaka sign has no official definition. Sometimes, guys will do the shaka with an additional dab or with their tongues out. By Kevin Allen Oct 16, 2017 With its origins shrouded in mystery, the shaka has become one of Hawaii’s hallmark gestures. (Codex Magica p.120) It is used as the hand sign for The University of Texas at Austin and known there as the Hook ’em Horns. To be honest, there is no literal translation to “Shaka”. The shaka sign is made with the pinky finger and thumb pointing upward while the other fingers rest on the palm. 2 Shaka Sign. But in 2017, a whole new meaning has been given to the appropriated version of the shaka in the UK. Before surfer dudes adopted it, the shaka sign was a symbol of gratitude and friendship. ... 5 Signs a Teen Is 'Vaping' Just wait for the not-so-innocent peace sign, and find out why the heck no one is supposed to look when kids touch the tip of their thumb to the tips of their other four fingers! This gesture is more than just a mere wave or thumbs up. The shaka is a symbol of the “Aloha spirit,” which is the coordination of the mind and spirit to think and exude good feelings to others. It's not all laughs, though. Published Jan 28, 2013. In Hawaii, the sign itself is the popular mark of surfers and divers. Originating in Hawaii, the shaka sign, also known as the ‘hang loose’ gesture, has evolved into many variations. Across the world, other countries use and interpret similar signs to the shaka though it carries different meanings. In Hawaii, it is a way to convey the “aloha’ spirit and is often used as a greeting or a way to wave goodbye. It is popular in Hawaii where it is often accompanied with the greeting “Shaka, brah!” It means everything from hello to goodbye, thank you, hang loose, right on, no need to rush, and everything is all right. For example, in Brazil the shaka sign is associated with Brazilian jiu … According to researcher Texe Marrs, this is no coincidence, as the creator of the hand sign, Helen Keller, was herself a practicing occultist.