Surely you have met men with long nails on their little fingers. These men could be of very different ages and social status, but they were clearly united by a very unusual manicure. What does this conspicuous detail mean? Why do men grow their pinky nails? This nuance can be interpreted in completely different ways. Consider the main reasons why people grew their nails at different times.
First of all, the prominent pinky nail is considered a distinctive detail by which one can recognize a person belonging to the Masonic lodge. Freemasons are a secret society that arose in Europe in the 17th century. The organization is based on general moral and ethical principles originating in monotheistic religions (mainly Christianity). The Masonic society is quite consistent with the image that arises in the minds of the phrase "secret organization": it is known for its closeness and a whole set of various rules and rituals. Why men grow a fingernail on their little finger, in order to show their belonging to the Freemasons in this way, is not entirely clear, but such an explanation of the detail we are considering is verywidespread.
Fast forward to the 18th century. At that time, an elongated nail was considered a sign of a man's belonging to the intelligentsia. But why grow a nail on the little finger
representatives of this social stratum? Mostly for purely utilitarian purposes. With the help of a long fingernail, mail envelopes were opened: a letter opener was not always at hand, and indeed, hardly anyone would carry it with them. In addition, in France there was a curious rule of etiquette: before entering the room, one should not knock on the door, but scratch with a fingernail.
In the 20th century, the tradition of growing a nail on the little finger passes from intellectuals to representatives of the criminal world. For example, here is a fairly well-known fact that is often recalled when trying to explain why men grow a nail on their little finger: in the 70s and 80s, drug dealers and their clients measured the dose of bulk drugs (mainly cocaine) in this way. This measure was called - "nail", that is, "nail". Card sharpers with the help of a long fingernail imperceptibly placed the desired card in the deck when shuffling. Perhaps the image of Ostap Bender will make you remember another answer to the question "Why do men grow a nail on their little fingers?": such a detail was found among house thieves. A fingernail can pick simple locks, and Bender was well aware of this.
An extended pinky nail may be necessary for professional convenience. machinists,for example, they twist the ribbons displaying information about the progress of the train with a fingernail. Increasingly, this detail is found among programmers and system administrators - a fingernail can be used instead of a stylus, and it is convenient for them to press buttons.
Why do guys grow their pinky nails these days? Most likely, there is no symbolism behind this, and someone simply considered a long nail to be a stylish and interesting detail. But you never know for sure. Take a closer look: what if some secret meaning is hidden behind the long fingernail of that unfamiliar man?
