Why do we call it a thumb and not “big finger?”
Discussion
Why do we call it big toe and not thumb toe? 🤨
I find this question opposable. I’ll see my way out….
yes. its so much more than a finger
Once again important discussions goin on...
I just saw this video explaining some cultures don't even have a separate word for hand. The reason- because they don't need it. If you don't have articles of clothes or any reason to make something distinct there won't be a word for it. I imagine, the reason thumb has a seperate word is probably because of gloves. You need a way to describe the funny finger to be able to make something for it. Not 100% sure though.
Calling it the big finger would not be accurate either. That would imply its bigger than the middle finger in both length and width.
Proto-Indo-European root: “Tum” means “to swell”, which describes the thumb’s shape.
The video: