What does the hand symbol with your pinky and your thumb mean?

Answer 1

This sign is of Hawaiian origin, and is generally an all-around positive message sign, similar to the OK sign(in which you make a circle between your thumb and index fingers, then spread the rest of your fingers into the air).

This sign is made more emphatic by rotating or "shaking" it back n' forth with a twist of your wrist, which may be where it gets its name from.

It's called the "shaka"(from "shake"? otherwise, of hawaiian etymology) or the "hang loose" sign(from Florida usage, primarily), and is used by all ages in all aspects of society to signify any number of casual and/or positive meanings, such as: "okay", "thanks", "go ahead", "that's good", "no problem", "cool", "hello", "goodbye", "all right", etc. etc.

(Side note: one source derives the shaka from a man who lost his middle fingers and would direct people with a hand wave that only featured his remaining thumb and pinky, from which others and children started imitating until it became standardized as the "shaka").