As you use your hand, the middle finger has gained prominence by virtue of its offensive use.
Due to language evolution, naming of body parts including fingers is a hefty task. However, here is how the middle finger and its brothers got their names according to Mentalfloss.
Middle finger: This offensive finger had its name literally derived from its location. Its location between the ring finger and the 'digitus secondus manus' is the reason it was termed middle finger. This 'digitus medius manus' is the tallest finger on one’s hand.
Thumb: The thumb is fatter and shorter than the other four fingers. The Proto-Indo-European term ‘tum’ that means to ‘swell’ is the origin of thumb the finger. This name was derived from the swelling physical characteristic.
Ring finger: Second century Egyptians believed that the fourth finger had a lover’s vein connected to one’s heart.
Romans who followed Beyoncé’s gospel, which demanded that a man puts a ring on a woman’s finger to hold her heart, later adopted this theory.
This 'digitus quartus manus', ,'digitus annularis' or 'digitus medicinalis' finger is still cherished in modern days during marriage engagements.
Index finger: The finger is also called the pointer finger and scientifically, 'digitus secundus manus'. It was derived from Latin word 'indico' that means ‘to point out’.
Pinky finger: Pinky finger is the smallest and is scientifically termed 'digitus minimus manusb. Scots used pinkie too refer to a small thing. This the reason you call it pinky.
To be the first to get updates on breaking and trending news in Kenya, send your WhatsApp number to 0792066260.