How to Do the Aggie Hand Sign: the Exact Form, Meaning, and Meaning Behind 'Gig 'Em'
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
Q1: What does "Gig 'em" literally mean?
A1: It refers to frog gigging, a traditional hunting method that uses a pronged spear or fork (a "gig") to capture bullfrogs. The phrase was coined to mock the TCU Horned Frogs in 1930.
Q2: Is the Aggie hand sign the oldest college hand sign in the United States?
A2: Yes. Invented in October 1930 by Pinky Downs, Texas A&M's Gig 'em sign is documented as the earliest official collegiate hand gesture in American sports history, preceding Texas's Hook 'em Horns by a quarter-century.
Q3: Should I use my right hand or left hand for the Gig 'em sign?
A3: Always use your right hand whenever possible. The right hand aligns with the traditional display of the official Aggie Ring and follows historical game day protocol at Kyle Field.
Q4: Why don't Aggie fans flash the sign backward like a hitchhiker?
A4: A backward tilt indicates hitchhiking or lazy posture. The true Aggie sign requires a locked wrist with the thumb driven strictly vertical toward the sky, signifying pride and readiness.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
