“Full”
How to do it: show the back of your hand, with the fingers pointing up, and close the thumb against the fingers repeatedly. Might be used when approaching an estacionamento (car park) to warn you there are no spaces, or by a Brazilian friend if the nightclub you want to enter is packed.
Illustration: Guardian Photograph: guardian.co.uk
“Not true”/“Idle chat”
How to do it: palm facing down, tap right under your jaw, with the back of your hand.
Illustration: Guardian Photograph: guardian.co.uk
“I don’t care”
How to do it: hit the back of your fingers against the fingers on the other hand. Repeat several times, also using other hand. Used frequently to express general lack of interest or knowledge.
Illustration: Guardian Photograph: guardian.co.uk
“Good”
How to do it: hand in a fist, with outstretched thumb pointing upwards. Though recognised across the globe, the thumbs-up gesture is particularly omnipresent in Brazil.
Illustration: Guardian Photograph: guardian.co.uk
