it is a hand motion by putting one hand on top of the other and moving your thumb in a circling motion. used during awkward situations.

A special hand signal made by placing one hand on top of the other and twiddling the thumbs to create the shape of a swimming Turtle. Used in awkward situations.

1. Someone who is says something in a conversation and there is nothing to be said back to. Usually a third person.

2. Someone who makes the mood in the room incredibly uncomfortable.

A hand gesture created and used to shed light on the fact a certain situation has become "awkward". It doesn't look like a turtle, or an awkward turtle, it's just dumb.

A really awkward person.
Such as Andrew Kursh

1. a phrase accompanied with a hand motion (one hand is placed on top if another palms down and thumbs out) to illustrate an awkward moment
2. turtles having sex

The awkward turtle was originated from many awkward situations where a man would take his pants off before sex, and due to a lack of girth and or size would make the situation very awkward thus also shriveling the ballsack. The tiny penis/shriveled sack combination looks similar to a turtle with it's head poking out, picture a turtle upside down in its shell.

This phrase was soon brought out of the bedroom and applied to everyday awkward situations, but all refer back to that original awkward turtle moment when the awkward turtle first appeared and the woman mysteriously got a horrible headache...

The awkward turtle is symbolized by placing one hand, open, palm facing down, thumb out to the side on top of your other hand, palm facing down, thumb out. The thumbs are then wiggled or rotated in tiny circles to signify the awkward tension.