ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Gestures

Gestures are like special movements that people make with their hands or body to communicate something without actually saying any words.

For example, a high five is a gesture that you might use to show excitement or congratulations to someone. When you wave goodbye, you’re using a gesture to say goodbye without words.

People use gestures all the time, both intentionally and unintentionally. When you’re happy, you might smile or jump up and down; when you’re sad, you might frown or cry. These are all examples of gestures.

Different cultures and communities have different gestures, and they can mean different things in different contexts. For instance, nodding your head up and down can mean “yes” in some cultures, but it can mean “no” in others.

Overall, gestures are a way that people communicate without words, using their body movements to convey meaning and emotion.