The middle finger gesture, often referred to as "flipping the bird," is a widely recognized insult in many cultures. It involves raising the middle finger while keeping the other fingers folded down. This gesture is typically used to express anger, disdain, or contempt towards someone. Historically, the middle finger has been used as a symbol of disrespect since ancient times, with references found in Roman and Greek literature. In modern contexts, it is commonly seen in media, social interactions, and even political protests, where it serves as a non-verbal way to convey strong negative feelings.