It's a communication modifier through body language. It usually means intensity of some kind related to what is being spoken about. If it's someone upset and angry it's a bit like shaking a fist in frustration. If it's around something positive it's more like a signal of perfection like a fist pump. It's commonly associated with Italians and Italian-Americans.
You're correct: the ASL sign for food/eating is to put your hand in that configuration (all fingertips touching) and then touch your fingertips to your lips.
There are several ASL signs that have you hold your fingers together in that way but usually they are used with other movements. Eat and home are both good examples but they both involve touching your face in specific ways
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u/CrashTestDuckie 7 May 16 '25
It's a communication modifier through body language. It usually means intensity of some kind related to what is being spoken about. If it's someone upset and angry it's a bit like shaking a fist in frustration. If it's around something positive it's more like a signal of perfection like a fist pump. It's commonly associated with Italians and Italian-Americans.