What It Means When An Indian Wiggles His Head

I am in India right now for my annual company trip.

India was a shock to me. Like most major capital city I travel to, the first time I arrived it was like &*@KEFMOVAP{LAWQAP$KBOCZR overwhelming.

But after a couple of days, I actually start to appreciate the local culture a lot more.

There’s one thing however, that remains confusing to me.

What exactly does it mean when an Indian wiggles his head?

Seriously, they do it all the  time. Sometimes when I ask them a question, they don’t answer anything. All they do is wiggle their head.

And I’m supposed to guess?

Kenny: Hey, can you take me to So-And-So Hotel please?

Indian Rickshaw Driver: *says nothing* *wiggles head*

Kenny: ???

It could mean any of the following things

a) Yes
b) No
c) I don’t know
d) 150 rupees, please
e) My rickshaw has no gas left, can you take another rickshaw?
f) I am not familiar with that hotel, can you show me the way? 
g) About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him-and I didn’t know how potent that part might be-that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

24 Replies to “What It Means When An Indian Wiggles His Head”

  1. I think most of the time it means no if he isn’t smiling.. But if he shakes his head with a huge grin, its an “Ohrkay, ohrkay!!!”. =D

  2. Wow, INDIA! How I wish to visit India in VERY NEAR FUTURE too! I believe this day will arrive very soon, and I will be amazed by the totally different culture there.

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  4. they are simply doing that so that u know they are hearing you, if they say yes or maybe hah! with the wiggle then it means yes..

  5. It just means
    “Whatever you say”
    Depending on his facial expression, there could be sarcasm too in there. But the former usually is the case.

  6. if wiggling sideways usually is no
    and wiggling up and down is yes
    wiggling in a figure of 8 is “im ok with it”

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