The head bobble or head wobble refers to a common gesture found in South Asian cultures, most notably in India. This form of nonverbal communication is sometimes referred to as "Indian head shake" or as travel journalist Stephan Wilkinson has described it, "a vague cock of the head." The motion usually consists of a side-to-side tilting of the head in arcs along the coronal plane.

The meaning of the bobble is myriad but is usually in response to another individual's request or comment. It usually signifies an acknowledgment of something or a sign of enjoying something immensely (usually accompanied with a wide eyed look). Other meanings it could have include:

"You're welcome," or "of course"
"Goodbye"
"I don't know" or a shrug. Usually accompanied with hands turned up and a shoulder shrug.
"Ok Ok"
"I'm giving you the answer I think you want to hear"
"I hear the words that are coming out of your mouth"
"I really want the answer to be yes..."
In Western countries, "Yes, definitely!" is communicated by nodding the head multiple times. In South Asia, it is communicated by a single strong head-wobble.

It has been said the origins of the head wobble come from watching snake charmers with cobras. Snake charmers play their music largely for dramatic effect, and it is in fact the movement of their head that mesmerizes the snake. When the cobra is not going to strike, it will sway its head from side to side. This body language signifies 'I am of no threat to you', and is a simple gesture to draw someone into your confidence, similar baring one's teeth in a smile.


NEH NEH NEH