Thehead bobble,head wobble, orIndian head shake refers to a commongesture found inSouth Asian cultures, most notably inIndia. The motion usually consists of a side-to-side tilting of the head in arcs along thecoronal plane.[1] A form ofnonverbal communication, it may meanyes,good,maybe,okay, orI understand, depending on the context.[2][3]
In India, a head bobble can have a variety of different meanings. Most frequently it meansyes, or is used to indicate understanding. The meaning of the head bobble depends on the context of the conversation or encounter. It can serve as an alternative tothank you or as a polite introduction, or it can represent acknowledgement.[3]
Head bobbles can also be used in an intentionally vague manner. An unenthusiastic head bobble can be a polite way of declining something without saying no directly.[3]
The gesture is common throughout India. However, it is used more frequently in South India.[4][5]
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