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Blame the 60s, either 1860s or 1960s
The phrase "flipping the bird" originates from the 1860s with the expression "giving the big bird," referring to hissing at someone like a goose.
This theatrical insult later evolved through vaudeville slang to mean greeting someone with boos and catcalls.
The middle finger gesture itself is much older, with ancient Greek references to a phallic gesture for insult and defiance.
The phrase "flip the bird" gained popularity in the 1960s, being used in the 1967 Grateful Dead concert review.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Early origins:
The phrase "giving the big bird" emerged in 19th-century Britain, referring to hissing at someone on stage, similar to the hissing of an angry goose.
This theatrical insult later evolved through vaudeville slang to mean greeting someone with boos and catcalls.
The middle finger gesture itself is much older, with ancient Greek references to a phallic gesture for insult and defiance.
The phrase "flip the bird" gained popularity in the 1960s, being used in the 1967 Grateful Dead concert review.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Early origins:
The phrase "giving the big bird" emerged in 19th-century Britain, referring to hissing at someone on stage, similar to the hissing of an angry goose.