In today's Herald:

Source

I am not familiar with that gesture at all. I don't see it as "flipping off" - the middle finger is not extended.

What is the history of the gesture?

I've seen this gesture in mafia-style movies. I don't think it's nice, whatever it means.

As a recent Sicilian, I know the gesture is an insult. You do it to someone you don't like. If he said that word with, it's really bad.

I'm going with what the photographer said. He knew it was in poor taste.

I believe that gesture is considered a non-verbal "fvck you".

The gesture is intended as an insult and is generally not considered obscene.

The word he used with the gesture, however, most definitely is.

Think Cheney in the Senate and you've got it ;)

GC, would you please stop being so darned hysterical.;)

Yeah, it's an insult. Very mature, Scalia. Good to know you're on the Supreme Court.

Not obscene? Um, SacTown got the meaning exactly right.

While I personally don't agree that 'fvck you' is obscene, I think it is commonly considered as such.



I don't consider too much to be obscene. One thing I do, though, is Scalia hearing argument on the Enemy Combatant Detention case this week just after he has publicly stated his decision on the case in advance of it being heard. As a jurist on the land's highest court, that's true obscenity.

You're right, wb. And to not be accused of further histrionics, I'll remove my 'Mission Accomplished' flight suit now.
:D