The five indicators of disdain (1-5)
I believe the answer is:
v-signs
'indicators of disdain' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'the five' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'five' could be 'v' (Roman numeral) and 'v' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'signs' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for v-signs that I've seen before include "They can signal victory or insult" , "With palms pointing outwards, they signal victory" , "They display victory or contempt" , "Gestures of victory or insult" , "They show victory, or insult" .)