The practice of growing one’s little fingernail has been observed in various cultures and eras, and its meanings vary depending on the historical and cultural context. Below, we explore some of the most prominent reasons behind this custom.
In ancient imperial China, a long nail on the little finger served as an indicator of high social status. Those who could afford long nails demonstrated that they did not perform manual labor, which was reserved for the working classes. This tradition still persists in some sectors of contemporary Chinese society, where, for example, some taxi drivers maintain this custom to signal their social standing.
In various cultures, the long little fingernail has been used as a multifunctional tool. For example, in Turkey, it was used to open cigarette wrappers, while in other places it was used to open bags or packages.
