MovieChat Forums > Romeo + Juliet (1996) Discussion > So... what's so wrong about biting a thu...

So... what's so wrong about biting a thumb to someone?

posted 7 years ago by bts1984
2 replies | jump to latest

Is it intended to be an insult? I ask this because one of the Montague boys says «I'll bite my thumb at them, if they bear it.» and when he bites his thumb at the Capulets, Abra (the Capulet who sees him doing it) gets furious.

«I was on the fire escape! I saw ya!»

[–] PreachCaleb 7 years ago

Yep. He specifically mentions it in the dialogue: "I shall bite my thumb at them, which is an insult, if they bear it."

Seize the moment, 'cause tomorrow you might be dead.

[–] JRichardSingleton 7 years ago

It's the middle finger.