Rather like "flipping a bird" is in our society or other hand gestures in other cultures are used to indicate insult, anger, and perhaps an invitation to violence. SAMPSON: No, sir, I do not bite my thumb at you, sir, but I bite my thumb, sir. Samson bites his thumb at the Montague's servants because in that time it was a gesture of insult. Sampson : I will bite my thumb at them, which is a disgrace to them, if they bear it. As the captors taunted their captive, offering them this degrading method of escape, they would bite their thumbs.Ĭonsequently, do you bite your thumb at me Sir Romeo and Juliet? Where does biting your thumb come from? Insult: 'I bite my thumb at thee!' Prisoners taken by local armies would be offered the chance to earn their freedom by eating a fig from a mule's anus. God alone knows how it came about.: : I wonder if its at all related to biting ones thumb as an insult. Do you bite your thumb at us, sir ABRAhaM. People also ask, do you bite your thumb at me sir meaning?īites his thumb Biting the thumb is a gesture of disrespect. To effect it, simply hold your right hand side-on to your face, with fingers extended upwards, place your thumb against the tip of your nose, and then, facing your target, waggle your fingers. ABRAM: Do you bite your thumb at us, sir SAMPSON: (aside to GREGORY) Is the law of our side if I say ay GREGORY: (aside to SAMPSON) No. However this story revolves around two star crossed. Even though they’re alike, both have hatred between each other causing their love ones to perish. Sampson: No, sir, I do not bite my thumb at you sir but I bite my thumb, sir. In this quote, Shakespeare reveals that the young men involved in the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues, Sampson in particular, are immature and looking for a fight. But now, my lord, what say you to my suit But now, my lord, what say you to my suit Two households, both alike in nobility.