Loser (hand gesture)

The loser is a hand gesture made by extending the right thumb and index fingers, leaving the other fingers closed to create the letter L, interpreted as "loser", and generally given as a demeaning sign.^[1] Sometimes this is accompanied by raising the hand to the giver's forehead.^[1]

Child making the loser gesture

The gesture was popular in the 1990s, partly popularized by the 1994 movie Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.^[2]

Usage of an "L" hand sign in specific contexts

In Brazil, the "L" is the political symbol of voting in Lula da Silva for president.^[3] Also, in Brazil, Germán Cano, soccer player from Fluminense, use the L to commemorate when he scores a goal.^[4]

Also in Brazil, an "L" handsign is used for cheering for Brazilian e-sports players from LOUD organization^[5] (e.g. during "VCT 2023: LOCK // IN" event in São Paulo).^[6]

In Poland, the "L" denotes allegiance to the Legia Warszawa football club.