Country Family
Baton Rouge
Fan language
In Dixieland with its hot and humid weather a fan was an essential requisite for every lady. It not only served for cooling but could also be used as communication medium and served for inconspicuous philandering. The originator of this code can't be detected anymore, but the language was first published by the fan manufacturer Duvelleroy, resident in Paris since 1827 and active till now.
The following codes are known:
| hold left hand in front of face | I'm looking for acquaintance |
| hold right hand in front of face | follow me! |
| hold it open in the left hand | come and have a conversation with me |
| finger at the outer edge | I would like to talk to you |
| let it glide over the forehead | you have altered |
| let it rest on the right cheek | yes |
| let it rest on the left cheek | no |
| fan slowly | I'm married |
| fan fast | I'm engaged |
| let it glide over the eyes | forgive me |
| let it chatter with the right hand | I love another one |
| let it glide over cheek | I love you |
| present it closed | do you love me? |
| lay the handle on the lips or pull it doubled through the hand | kiss me |
| wear it in the right hand | you are venturous |
| pull it through the hand | I hate you |
| open and close it fast | you are cruel |
| chatter with the left hand or circulate right wrist | we are observed! |
| hold it on the left ear | please leave me alone |
| let it hang | we stay friends |
| show a specific number of bars | declaration of time for the meeting |
| open wide | wait for me |
| hold it behind the head | don't forget me |
| hold with shored up little finger | see you |