foul signal question

[Kansas Ref]

Now this is an interesting thread as it offers us the chance to examine the origin of the "mechanics".

Like how does the mechanic for "traveling" come to resemble me doing a dancing motion like john travolata on sat nite fever--what with me twirling my hands to indicate a "travel". I'm almost tempted to point one finger up towards the sky after doing the hand twirl to complete my dance move.

Like how does the mechanic for "charge/pc" come to resemble me punching the air with my other hand behind head? what does this have to do with one player charging into another?

And finally, as Adam cited in the above post, the NF has a great opportunity to either clarify, modify, sharpen, or add mechanics each year with would help the profession--why they don't do it--who knows? but it causes us refs to use "marginally relevant" mechanics to indicate violations that are not really symbolized by the said mechanic.

What is the form and function origin of our mechanics?