Fan Gestures

Although there is some debate over the veracity of using fan gestures to communicate, and conflicting sources of the meanings of such gestures, flirting by way of a fan remains a popular concept.

The idea is that by moving or holding their fan in a certain way, ladies were able to communicate with gentlemen using a form of sign language, whether under the eyes of their chaperones or from across the room, thus circumventing some of the restrictions of polite society. However, there are certain drawbacks to this, such as that presumably many people, including the aforementioned chaperones, would have been able to see and understand the gestures; or that unintentional movements and gestures could be easily misinterpreted as having a deeper meaning; or even that the conversation would have to be a one-sided one due to men not carrying fans!

Two versions of fan language from different sources are listed below.

• Placing your fan near your heart = I love you.
• A closed fan resting on the right eye = When can I see you?
• A half closed fan pressed to the lips = You may kiss me.
• Touching the tip of the fan with a finger = I wish to speak to you.
• Letting the fan rest on the right cheek = Yes.
• Letting the fan rest on the left cheek = No.
• Dropping the fan = We will be friends.
• Fanning slowly = I am married.
• Fanning quickly = I am engaged.
• Carrying a open fan in the left hand = Come and talk to me.
• Twirling the fan in the right hand = I love another.
• Twirling the fan in the left hand = We are being watched.
• Shutting a fully open fan slowly = I promise to marry you.
• Drawing the fan across the eyes = I am sorry.
• To open a fan wide = Wait for me.

Information from this site.

• With handle to the lips: Kiss me
• Twirling in the left hand: I wish to get rid of you
• Drawing across right cheek: I love you
• Closing it: I wish to speak to you
• Fanning slowly: I am married
• Letting it rest on right cheek: Yes
• Letting it rest on left cheek: No
• Open wide: Wait for me
• Fanning fast: I am engaged
• Carrying it in the right hand in front of face: Follow me
• Carrying in left hand: Desirous of acquaintance
• Placing it on left ear: You have changed
• Drawing across forehead: We are being watched
• Carrying in right hand: You are too willing
• Drawing through hand: I hate you
• Twirling in right hand: I love another
• Drawing across eyes: I am sorry
• Open and shut: You are cruel
• Dropping it: We are friends

From information on display at Attingham House.

Katie Winter once unintentionally signalled 'Kiss me' to Daniel Rossington