What is the long finger?

Have you ever heard of the term ‘long finger’? If you’re like me, you probably just thought of actual long fingers that belong to people with unusually tall heights or have undergone some sort of mutation. However, this isn’t exactly what I’m referring to! In fact, the term ‘long finger’ has a completely different meaning altogether.

So if it’s not literal and doesn’t involve any unexplained mutations, then what does it really mean? Well my friend…read on!

The Origin of the Term

First off, before we get into details about its actual meaning and its significance now a days. Let’s dig deep into the earliest reference discovered so far_ (please note: by no means are we endorsing violence!)_

Back in medieval times in Scotland (Where Braveheart was fought!), giving someone ‘the long finger’ meant they were showing them disrespect. One particular instance occurred where King James IV extended his middle digit as evident disrespect during an argument with Andrew Stewart, Duke of Albany (outside Stirling Castle).

Now for those who don’t remember Scottish history from your 8th Grade Social Studies class…which would be most- The year was approximately 1512-ish (historians strongly argue over time frames), Queen Victoria wasn’t yet born nor anything like Facebook existed #fomo

It’s Use Now – A Sign Of Indecisiveness

Fast forward to current decade-If someone mentions ‘the long finger,’ this generally means indecisive behavior (aren’t we all guilty at some point?)

In reality ,when an individual wants to put-off making decisions/commitments due to apprehensions & uncertainties…the famous one liner being “I’ll give him/her/them-the-long-finger.”

Another example would be if Bob asks Jill if she could take care of his pet rock while he goes on vacation for two weeks….and Jill doesn’t commit immediately (or declines with a smirk) giving Bob time to think it over again and not getting stuck in such tedious agreements.

In other words, the long finger is an imaginary gesture that signifies postponing decision(s).

The Psychology Behind It

Let’s face it – human beings have been procrastinating since the beginning of time. We all know this- some examples being unfinished paperwork on your desk for days or postponing working out that final puzzle piece of a million-dollar project until someone screams down the line- “Is There Anyone Working Here?!”

And let’s be honest, who hasn’t given/getting ‘the long finger’ themselves just to buy sometime due to indecisiveness…don’t worry we are here to listen.

Over-analysis ,conflicting priorities, fear/ mistrust often culminate into resulting perceived diffidence/indecisive conduct ..lets shed light on these common traits by breaking them down one by one}

Overanalysation Paralysis

Ever hear about paralysis through analysis? well more than anything else, when there are too many options or potential outcomes/events/results…it can lead us into narrowing our visions instead of making any headway whatsoever!

For example: Say you’re deciding what car you should get for yourself….ever decide based completely off gas milage because someone mentioned its cheaper compared to maintenance costs—but then wonder later if durability was really equally important?! Yeah…not always easy knowing whats best =\

Since we are here…

Why don’t I mention few other things while we still chatting:

  • One Always expects prompt reply unilaterally
  • Human nature enjoys micromanaging every situation
    Sometimes impacting productivity unknowingly!
  • Shifts priority list according personal preferences.
    Family will come above work ideals usually kids > colleagues
    But may change depending situations/people involved

Mistrust Issues

Wouldn’t it be pretty neat, productive and effective if everyone we needed to make a decision with, wholeheartedly trusted our judgement? Nobody curtailing or questioning your intuitive call after each step?

If only those mistrust/ mistrusted issues didn’t exist–stay confident in beginning a task & see it through (with or without being judged)–it would lead to quicker resolutions and decisive actions.

So herein lies the psychology behind procastination — fear, indecisiveness ,boredom etc…The Long Finger is an important tool that enables us time to re-evaluate by slowing down giving consideration(s) of all variables – this leads most people ultimately making best decisions.

When the Real Problem Arises

We’ll let y’all in on little secret: “long fingers” are likely disastrous when deadlines looming ahead! Again- not endorsing procrastinators but maybe offer you insight as to why one may need completing tasks before schedule slips by completely….

Remember ..the longer you wait-which ended up taking more time then originally decided —bingo! Time’s Over!

Which brings good question : Along With Delayed Decisions –Consider Alternatives = alternate words for ‘Long finger’?

Here’s just few possibilities:

  • Stalling
  • Delaying Tactics
  • Decision Tardiness
    Tip: don’t use “procrastinating”, gets old fast!

The Final Verdict

In short-“Giving someone the long finger” means buying some extra time before making any important commitment-like decisions. It does come with its positive impacts too ! Give proper thought-out consideration prior diving into projects/taking over new endeavors calms nerves and lowers irrational panic attacks.

Now whether popular opinion changes again or courts deem ‘the long-finger’ now King Lame or eventually creating new word while 2021 progresses…we make no promises being able keep up-to-date word-of-the-year fads yet shout-out to cousin Merriam Webster!

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