Fumsup

Fumsup is a word of archaic English origin, meaning to hold the thumb uppermost as a sign of good luck or approval. It contrasts with "fumsdown," where the thumb is held downward to indicate disapproval or bad luck, derived from the gestures made by Roman crowds during gladiatorial combat where the direction of the thumb (pollice verso) indicated whether a defeated gladiator should be spared or killed. While "fumsup" is less frequently used than "fumsdown" in modern English, it retains its symbolic association with positive sentiment and wishing well. The term reflects a cultural understanding of the thumb gesture as carrying significant meaning, particularly in the context of luck and judgment. Its etymology is obscure, although it is clearly related to the word "thumb."