The head bobble, head wobble, or Indian head shake refers to a common gesture found in South Asian cultures, most notably in India. The motion usually consists of a side-to-side tilting of the head in arcs along the coronal plane. A form of nonverbal communication, it may mean yes, good, maybe, okay, or I understand, depending on the context.

Head bobbles can also be used in an intentionally vague manner. An unenthusiastic head bobble can be a polite way of declining something without saying no directly.

See also

  • Head shake
  • Nod

References

  • East vs WestThe myths that mystifyTED talk (ends with a reference to "the Indian head shake")
  • Do you wobble?