Turkey, Greece, and Italy are enforcing stringent penalties for offensive hand gestures, cautioning UK holidaymakers in the European Union to remain alert and avoid expensive legal repercussions.

The hand gesture under scrutiny is often referred to as the "fig sign". It involves sticking the thumb between the index and middle fingers to create a shape that resembles a fig.

In Turkish culture, the fig sign is frequently perceived as offensive and disrespectful. It can suggest vulgar connotations and may also be interpreted as a signal that someone is prepared to start a fight. As per Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code, making insulting gestures publicly is punishable by law, with potential prosecution for offenders. Italy and Greece enforce similar punishments, reports Birmingham Live.

"Even minor confrontations can escalate quickly in Turkey if the wrong gesture is used," warned Ski Vertigo. "Police won't hesitate to get involved if someone claims they were insulted."

One Reddit user commented: "Well, apparently its name is the Fig Sign and has been used as a mild insult since ancient Rome by a variety of cultures. My guess is when Turks conquered Byzantine lands (which was technically still the Roman Empire, Byzantines called themselves Romans) it was still in use and Turks adopted it to their culture too.

"It's actually an insult, here is what it's used for," clarified another. "First of all, it means "nah" in Turkish which is just a pretty insulting combination of "f*** you", "my answer is obvious you dumbass" and "no".

"It means all of these sentences at the same time and has no other meaning, some kids will use it like a middle finger because they only care about the "f*** you" part, so don't bother to tell them they are using it wrong," said the user. "Another commented: "The fig sign is a mildly obscene gesture used at least since the Roman Age in Italy, Southern Europe, parts of the Mediterranean region, including in Turkish culture, and has also been adopted by Slavic cultures and South Africa.

"The gesture uses a thumb wedged in between two fingers. This gesture is most commonly used to ward off the evil eye, insult someone, or deny a request. Because of its origins in Southern Europe or Latin Europe, the gesture was imported to Latin America."