The ONLY meaning, in most US group photos, is that the person owning the fingers is an obnoxious ASSHOLE so self-centered that he feels compelled to "be clever" and make sure that EVERYONE notices him, with no regard for how his behavior detracts from the purposes of the photo.

(Note: I use the masculine since I've NEVER seen this done by a female, but don't mean to slight anyone by insisting that it never happens.)

While only mildly annoying in "informal" pictures, in more formal shots where people are assembled to record an event so that they can be reminded of it later, the intent of the ASSHOLE is always completely successful.

I have a "class picture" in which this was done, and anyone who sees it fifty years later will know instantly that ****** was an ASSHOLE and a perpetual SMARTASS up to the day he died in prison. We ALL remember him well, albeit I've not met anyone who remembers him FONDLY.

The only literal translation is "Look at me! I'm an antisocial SMARTASS." It is, in most cases, NOT A COMMENT on the "victim," since the victim usually is just the person who by random chance happens to be standing closest.

John