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HifaMo Posted 13 years ago
Vocabulary

Thumbs up vs thumb up

Hi,

Could you please explain why 'thumb' is used in the plural form in the expression 'thumbs up sign'?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

It's a reference to the ancient practice of holding a thumb up to show approval of a gladiator at the Coliseum in Rome. When an entire stadium full of people make this gesture, there are a lot of thumbs up! CJ

— CalifJim

  • It's a reference to the ancient practice of holding a thumb up to show approval of a gladiator at the Coliseum in Rome.
  • When an entire stadium full of people make this gesture, there are a lot of thumbs up!
  • CJ
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4 Answers
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It's a reference to the ancient practice of holding a thumb up to show approval of a gladiator at the Coliseum in Rome.

When an entire stadium full of people make this gesture, there are a lot of thumbs up!

CJ
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Actually, it was a little bit more than approval. In a gladiator fight the winning gladiator would turn to the emperor to know whether he should kill the other guy or spare his life, and the emperor would give his verdict by turning his thumb up or down, meaning "let him live" or "kill him".

H.
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CalifJim there are a lot of thumbs up!
I have no problem with using this expression in a context of the plural form.

I want to understand why is it used in the plural form when the context normally requires the singular form.

For example: "It looks like it's thumbs up for their latest album." OED

Thanks.
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HifaMoI want to understand why is it used in the plural form when the context normally requires the singular form.
It's possible that, unless you find some additional research on the topic, you may never understand why it is used in the plural form.

We just say it that way.

CJ
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