If you're a visitor to the islands, you'r likely to run into a few mannerisms favoured by locals that you just wouldn't get unless you were in the know. So, for the next time a local is hanging out of their car window pursing their fingers at you, here's a basic intro, demonstrated by some of Malta's most well-known actors. You're welcome.

The knuckle bite, by Steve Hili

Steve Hili is a stand up comedian and comedy writer with credits for the BBC and Sky.

Biting your knuckle can either mean that something is so cute that you can't stand it, or that something is really pissing you off. You'll see this a lot ensuing an argument on Malta's roads (or otherwise). When it's used as an expression of anger, it's usually at the point when words will no longer suffice - which is really boiling point because the Maltese can create chain swear words to express their ire like no other nationality!

The under chin sweep, by Kate De Cesare

Apart from playing great roles such as her latest as Vi in Memory of Water, Kate De Cesare is a business woman, entrepreneur, wife, and mum of two lovely young ladies.

Sometimes, this local mannerism is done so subtly that you could miss the under the chin sweeping gesture and mistake it for a mere nod... which means no. This gesture can also mean 'nothing', depending on its context.

The shrug, by Coryse Borg

Coryse Borg is an actress, writer, voice-over artist and theatre director, as well as being a proud mama to Andrea aged nine.

When you don't know, you really don't know - and you need to express that. This is why the extended shrug - often accompanied by a drawn out boq (meaning 'hell if I know') is used. It's mandatory to widen your eyes for this gesture, to show the person that you really, really don't know.

The pursed fingers, by Jo Caruana

Jo Caruana is a popular, versatile actress thanks to regular stage appearances, which she juggles with a hectic writing career.

The direct translation of this gesture is 'what the hell are you saying/doing?!' It's not an invitation to clarify, but rather a reprimand that whatever's been done, or uttered, is wrong, so very wrong.