A quick flick of the hand

If there’s anything more characteristic of Ecuadorians, it has to be that quick flick-of-the-hand motion. It often accompanies an astonished facial expression and even the under-the-breath-quick-explication “chuuuuta!” You know, when you’re talking about that one situation when you find yourself in a fix but find a miraculous and amusing way out of it. Better explained, it’s that reaction that expresses “too hot too handle” astonishment, followed by a smirk. Anyway you want to describe it, it’s everywhere here. With grace and ease, the one flick of the hand produces a snapping noise that captures the entire expression of surprise.

But of course, what do I try to do but imitate it. After a few pathetic first attempts, I was ever so lovingly corrected by Bárbara who demonstrated the proper form:

1. Hold your index through pinky fingers out next to each other with the pad of your thumb resting against the pads of your index and middle finger or your middle finger and your ring finger. (You know, like if you were going to make a hand-animal shadows, this particular one being the duck).

2. Keep your fingers loose...no tension, please.

3. Snap your wrist back and forth, letting your thumb hit your other fingers to make the snapping noise.

And that’s all there is to it! Of course, this is no guarantee that you’ll be able to do it well. With any luck, you’ll suffer through the first few pathetic attempts like I did and then manage some sort of snapping noise. With time, and most likely a sore wrist, you’ll achieve something close to Ecuadorian efficiency with this maneuver. If you find yourself still having trouble even after this, find your closest friendly Ecuadorian. I’m sure they’d be happy to show you light.

Unlike Chileans, I have yet to see anyone point out a direction (as in “the store is over there” ::point::) with their lips. Though, I remain on the lookout.