A "flying kiss" is most commonly referred to as a "blown kiss" in standard English. It is a ritualized social gesture where a person kisses their own hand and then figuratively "blows" that kiss toward another person to show affection, greeting, or a polite farewell. In the world of non-verbal communication and semiotics, it is considered a "distanced" gesture of intimacy. In some formal or romantic contexts, it is also called a "thrown kiss." The gesture has deep roots in various cultures; for instance, in ancient Mesopotamia, it was used as a sign of respect toward the gods. In modern pop culture, the blown kiss is a staple of red-carpet events and pageant walk-offs. Linguistically, while "flying kiss" is widely used and understood in Indian English and parts of Southeast Asia, "blown kiss" remains the primary term in North American and British English. The action involves a specific sequence: pressing the fingertips to the lips, followed by an outward breath as the hand moves away from the face toward the recipient.