Norwegians Confused by Bush Salute

[Amelia]

Norwegians Confused by Bush Salute

[]http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050121/capt.ny11701211526.bush_satanic_sign_ny117.jpg[/]

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhgite

Fri Jan 21,2005

OSLO, Norway - President Bush's "Hook 'em, 'horns" salute got lost in translation in Norway, where shocked people interpreted his hand gesture during his inauguration as a salute to Satan.

That's what it means in the Nordics when you throw up the right hand with the index and pinky fingers raised, a gesture popular among heavy metal groups and their fans in the region.

"Shock greeting from Bush daughter," a headline in the Norwegian Internet newspaper Nettavisen said above a photograph of Bush's daughter Jenna, smiling and showing the sign.

For Texans, the gesture is a sign of love for the University of Texas Longhorns, whose fans are known to shout out "Hook 'em, 'horns!" at sporting events.

Bush, a former Texas governor, and his family made the sign to greet the Longhorn marching band as it passed during the inaugural parade through Washington during Thursday's festivities, explained Verdens Gang, Norway's largest newspaper.

[Dr. Shane]

He can't even wave at a band without offending someone.

[Bravus]

But on the bright side, he made a whole lot of headbangers happy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Nicodema]

LOL - the "Hail Satan" (tongue in cheek) emails flew around here in the States as well, with dozens of Tx Longhorn shots like this. Our Boxcar 37 email group has a twisted sense of humor. (Yes we all know it's the Hook'em Horns sign too).