peace sign: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, but widely recognized and used in semi-formal contexts when discussing social movements, history, or culture.
Quick answer
What does “peace sign” mean?
A hand gesture made by extending the index and middle fingers upward in a V shape while folding the other fingers into the palm, internationally recognized as a symbol of peace and anti-war sentiment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hand gesture made by extending the index and middle fingers upward in a V shape while folding the other fingers into the palm, internationally recognized as a symbol of peace and anti-war sentiment.
1) The physical gesture itself. 2) Any visual symbol (e.g., on a badge, poster) representing the peace movement. 3) Figuratively, an expression or action intended to de-escalate conflict or show a desire for harmony.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the palm-inward 'V sign' is a potent insult (equivalent to 'up yours'). Americans are generally less aware of this connotation and primarily associate the 'V' shape with peace regardless of palm orientation, though context clarifies intent.
Connotations
UK: Strong dual connotation (peace vs. insult) based on orientation. US: Overwhelmingly positive peace/victory connotation; the insulting version is rarely used or recognized.
Frequency
The term is common in both varieties, but the gesture itself may be used more frequently in American informal contexts without caution regarding orientation.
Grammar
How to Use “peace sign” in a Sentence
[Subject] + flashed/gave/made + [Indirect Object] + a peace sign.The peace sign + was + adopted/became + a symbol.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “peace sign” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- He gave a peace sign to the cameras as he left the courthouse.
- The poster was covered in daisies and peace signs.
- Be careful with the orientation of your peace sign here—it could be misconstrued.
American English
- She flashed a peace sign from the back of the convertible.
- The festival merch was full of tie-dye and peace signs.
- He made a peace sign, palm facing out, to show his solidarity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) contexts discussing company values.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or cultural studies discussing post-WWII movements, the 1960s counterculture, and symbolic protest.
Everyday
Common when referring to the gesture in photos, at protests, or as a symbol of non-violence.
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields; belongs to semiotics, cultural studies, or social history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “peace sign”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “peace sign”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “peace sign”
- Using the palm-inward version in the UK without intending to insult. Confusing it with the 'heavy metal' horns gesture (index and pinky extended).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes. Winston Churchill popularized the 'V for Victory' sign (palm outward) during WWII. In the 1960s, the anti-war movement adopted the same gesture, reinterpreting it as a 'peace sign'. Today, 'victory sign' is less common; context usually indicates if a competitive victory or peace is meant.
Its origins are debated but likely date back centuries as an insulting gesture in England, showing the bow-fingers (which could be cut off to render an archer useless) to an enemy. It remains a coarse gesture equivalent to the American 'middle finger'.
It's best to use it in descriptive or historical contexts (e.g., 'protesters flashed peace signs'). In very formal academic or diplomatic writing, prefer terms like 'symbol of peace' or 'the V-sign gesture' for clarity.
A 'peace sign' most specifically refers to the hand gesture. A 'peace symbol' more broadly refers to any visual mark representing peace, most commonly the circle with the downward lines (☮), which is also often called the 'peace sign' in casual speech, leading to some ambiguity.
A hand gesture made by extending the index and middle fingers upward in a V shape while folding the other fingers into the palm, internationally recognized as a symbol of peace and anti-war sentiment.
Peace sign: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpiːs ˌsaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpiːs ˌsaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'V' as the first two letters of 'Victory' (its original meaning in WWII) which was later adapted to mean 'Peace'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEACE IS AN OPEN HAND (versus a closed fist of war).
Practice
Quiz
What is a key difference between British and American understanding of the 'V' hand gesture?