"the finger" in 1932 Hollywood epic (UNCLASSIFIED)

[Victor Steinbok]

It's not even the "thumb" now--many umps have their own distinct
motions, some using the index finger, as if pointing to the imaginary
out-door.

     VS-)

On 5/14/2012 3:39 PM, Jonathan Lighter wrote:
> Great finds, Bill. They enhance our knowledge.
>
> The first three seem to involve baseball.
>
> The relationship to umps is surprising. Could it be that the writers were
> thinking of a "You're out!" gesture?  But hasn't that always been "the
> thumb"?
>
> JL

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