For those of you who don’t know, you might be wondering why guys grow their pinky nails long. I mean, it doesn’t make sense, right? Neither of the other nails gets any extra attention.
So, why is this one different? Well, that’s what we’ll find out in this article.
Most men keep their pinky nails long for various reasons. The most obvious is that they use it most often to scoop things, pick their ears, poke their nose, and, of course, social status.
Before I dive into the various reasons for keeping long pinky fingernails, here’s a short story that I want to share with you.
My Short Story
I began wondering why guys grow their pinky nails. I felt so interested in this question that I decided to google it and see what I could find out.
The reason for these questions started when a friend of mine returned from a boot camp in the army and got some attention from his friends because he had his pinky nail long like me. Some people had asked him this question while they were drinking beer after work.
And here’s what he said.
Most guys grow their pinky nails long and use them to poke their noses. I know it might sound silly he added but believe me, it works incredibly well.
There are lots of explanations for this – mostly psychological – but as far as science goes, you could probably say it’s all about scent detection.
He went further to state that a huge number keep theirs to open things like a sealed envelope and very few do to have something to scratch themselves with when necessary.
That said, let’s dive straight to the reason why you were here in the first place. Shall we? Let’s go.
What Does a Long Pinky Nail Mean?
There is no specific meaning associated with having a long pinky nail. Some people may choose to grow their pinky nails longer for aesthetic reasons, while others may do so for practical purposes. For example, some people may find that a longer pinky nail is useful for tasks such as pressing buttons on a computer keyboard or phone, or for playing musical instruments that require precise finger movements.
In some cultures, a long pinky nail can be seen as a sign of wealth or social status, as it may be seen as a sign that the person does not have to engage in manual labor that could potentially damage their nails. In other cultures, a long pinky nail may be seen as a form of self-expression or a fashion statement.
Overall, the meaning of a long pinky nail can vary depending on the context and the cultural norms of the society in which it is worn. It is ultimately up to the individual to decide whether or not to grow their pinky nail longer and what purpose it serves for them.
The History of Long Pinky Nails in Men
The history of long pinky nails in men can be traced back to the mid-1900s, when they were first seen as a sign of wealth. Men with long pinky nails were typically wealthy merchants or landowners, and their long pinky nails were a symbol of how much wealth they had accumulated.
These days, however, that isn’t necessarily the case anymore. Many people have long pinky nails just because they like them, and many people who don’t have long pinky nails still use them as a way to express themselves.
8 Modern Reasons for Long Pinky Nails in Men
There is a reason why people behave the way they are so it is with keeping one nail long. Kindly find below some of the reasons why 9 out of every ten men keep one of their nails longer than the rest.
- As social status
- To scoop things
- Opening of items
- Picking things up
- To scratch when necessary
- As a fashion statement
- To play an instrument
- A pleasure tool
1. Social Status
Back in the day, having one of your nails long (pinky) could mean that one came from a wealthy family where they were not allowed to do manual labor.
This is so true if you ask me. For example, it’s rare to see laborers with long nails, and the reason for this isn’t far-fetched.
So having one or all of your nails long could mean that one comes from a higher social status where he/she doesn’t necessarily have to do any hard labor whatsoever.
That’s not all, it’s also a well-known fact that having lighter skin (especially in Asian countries ) can be attributed to only those in the upper class.
They believe that the darker you are, the more you are considered to be lower class because most darker Asians spend a huge chunk of their time working outside the scorching sun.
2. Scoop Things
This is something I’m guilty of, to be honest with you. As a guy who has had long nails all his life, if there’s one thing I can think of right now, I use my nails for it to scoop things.
I know it sounds gross to you, and it’s okay by me, but hear me out, at least.
Having your pinky nails long can come in handy,, especially when you want to scoop dirt out of your ears, pick those itching noses, and,, of course, when you’re coke addict.
For those of you who are into coke, this is something you can relate to. It’s not like I’m into it, by the way, it’s something I’ve seen most men that are into such do.
I’ve seen movies where most men from the underworld use the underside of their long pinky nails to snort those stuff into their nostrils.
Don’t get me wrong; this is not to say that all men that keep their pinky nails long are into this act (of course, I’m not into such), the majority do use theirs for this purpose.
Another thing I’ve also seen people do is that they use their long nails (whether pinky or all of their fingers) to scoop the cream out of the creams container.
I have an article on this topic already where I uncovered how one could function with their long nails no matter how long they are.
PS: In that article, I listed several things you can do no matter how long your nails are. I also went further to give out my expert tips on washing clothes without breaking any of your nails.
3. Opening Items
Okay, it’s not what you’re thinking right now. By opening items, I don’t mean using them to open soda cans (lol) but rather using them to slide certain things up.
Usually, items like envelop with sticky adhesives can be easily opened with long nails. Mind you; your nails have to be sharpened to slide in.
Other items that can be opened with long pinky nails include opening package seal, shrink-wrap, and even lifting sellotape.
4. Picking Things Up
This is not a new thing for those of you with long nails. There is stuff you can’t pick up from the ground if you do not have the means to but having long nails can come in handy.
You can use those nails of yours to pick stuff like coins, needles, pick your teeth, and a host of other smaller items up from the floor.
I do these a lot with mine,, so I can relate to it. If, you don’t want to keep your nails long, at least now you have a reason to.
5. To Scratch Things
I once interviewed a guy that lives very close to where I was working. While he only had one of his nails long, and the reason he gave me one was that he uses them to scratch things.
Is that a good reason for anyone to want to keep one of his nails longer than the rest? Well, I think it is.
I’ve often used mine countless times to scratch those silver panels off and then use the other to clean up the mess.
Here’s the thing, I use my pinky finger to scratch, then use my thumb finger to clean the silver panels off the underside of my pinky nails.
This is a special skill I’ve developed over the years, so it’s something you might not have heard of or can relate to quite well.
Another thing I’ve seen people do with their pinky nails is for scratching, itching parts of their body when necessary.
6. As Fashion Statement
Okay, this is the part that is a bit confusing to me. Why would someone decides to keep just one of his nails long?
Well, it’s something I’ve wondered about and still do, but several research has shown that a lot of people that keep nails (not just their pinky finger) do so as part of fashion.
That’s not all. Some even go as far as painting them all. Why you might think it’s out of place for those men to do so, I do think it’s not a big deal as far as it doesn’t go against their faith.
On the other hand, when you see a man with one of his nails painted, he isn’t just doing so to make a statement. Still, he could be that he’s actively participating in the campaign that helps create awareness about children who are or currently suffering from one abuse or the other.
7. To Play the Instrument
I grew up in the church, so I can confidently say this is true. Many guys I’ve seen use theirs to play classical guitar.
According to them, they find it much easier, especially when they need help finding a guitar pick, so yes, it’s doable, but it’s something I would personally not advise you to do because things can get messy.
What if you broke a nail in the process? Would you still find it handy as a tool? I guess not.
8. As A Pleasure Tool
I don’t know how true this is, but a lot of guys in various forums seem to be talking about how some guys they knew once told them that they had one of their nails long to to pleasure the opposite gender.
How they do it is what I don’t know, but I don’t mind you sharing your experience with us, by the way, that’s if you’ve ever done such.
The Potential Drawbacks of Long Pinky Nails in Men
1. It May Not Be Suitable for Professional Settings
In many professional settings, there may be unwritten rules about appearance and grooming that are expected to be followed. For example, some companies may have dress codes that specify the length of nails acceptable for employees. Long pinky nails may be seen as unprofessional or out of line with these dress code policies, potentially affecting job opportunities or career advancement.
2. Improper Hygiene
Long pinky nails can be more difficult to keep clean, as dirt and germs can accumulate under the nail. This can lead to an increased risk of illness or infection, especially if the nails are not regularly cleaned and sanitized.
3. Pain
Long pinky nails can be uncomfortable, especially if they are too long or if they break. This can lead to pain or discomfort when using the hands for everyday tasks, such as typing on a keyboard or using tools.
4. It May Cause Accidents
Long pinky nails can be prone to get caught in objects or caught on clothing, which can cause accidents or injuries. For example, long nails may get caught in door hinges or zipper pockets or cause snags in clothing or fabrics.
5. Limited Fashion Options
Long pinky nails may limit the types of clothing and accessories worn, as certain styles may not be compatible with long nails. For example, gloves or rings with small openings may be difficult to wear with long pinky nails, and certain types of clothing may be more prone to snagging on long nails.
Additionally, some men may feel self-conscious about wearing certain clothing or accessories with long pinky nails, which could affect their fashion choices.
Why Do Guys Have One Long Thumb Nail?
There is no one specific reason why some men choose to have one long thumbnail. Some men may have a long thumbnail for personal or creative reasons, such as playing a musical instrument or for a specific hobby. Others may have a long thumbnail for cultural or traditional reasons, as some cultures and traditions associate long nails with wealth, status, or spirituality.
What Does a Painted Pinky Nail Mean?
Painted pinky nails are a symbol of solidarity with the prevention of violence enacted against children. They show support for victims and survivors, and spread awareness about how important it is to take action on behalf of children who are in danger.
What Religion Has a Long Pinky Nail?
Santeria religion has a long pinky nail. It is a religion that developed in Cuba, and its followers are known as Santeros. The religion is based on Yoruba spirituality, and it's considered to be polytheistic.
Conclusion
There are a variety of reasons why some men choose to grow their pinky nail long. Some men may have a long pinky nail for personal or creative reasons, such as for playing a musical instrument or for use in a specific hobby. Others may have a long pinky nail for cultural or traditional reasons, as some cultures and traditions associate long nails with wealth, status, or spirituality. Some men may simply enjoy the aesthetic of long pinky nails or may find them to be a form of self-expression.