Buzz
Perfecting the dap to show love and camaraderie among friends
If you’ve ever nodded awkwardly as a friend initiates a dap, you know the discomfort that follows. While it’s a common slip-up, there are ways to avoid this and respond smoothly. In this guide, we’ll explore popular dap techniques, such as the fist bump, chest bump, and the legendary bro hug. Ready to elevate your dap game? Here’s everything you need to master it like a pro.
Key Points to Remember
- The dap is a unique, playful handshake that symbolizes unity between two individuals.
- To execute a dap, offer a fist bump or pound hug—extend your hand, interlock thumbs, and follow up with a brief half-hug.
- For a celebratory gesture, try a chest bump—stand a few feet apart, run towards each other, and jump to bump chests mid-air.
Step-by-Step Guide
What is dapping?
The dap is a warm greeting exchanged between two individuals to show unity. It encompasses a range of gestures, but essentially, it’s any personalized handshake shared with a close friend. People often craft their own dap with distinctive snaps, slaps, and fist bumps—there’s no strict rule on how to dap someone up!
- Athletes frequently use the dap to demonstrate team solidarity before a game or to celebrate after scoring.
Ways to Dap Someone Up
The fist bump For a straightforward dap, form a fist and hold it out with your knuckles facing forward. When your friend raises their fist, gently tap your knuckles against theirs.
- When unsure, go for the fist bump. It’s the most universal and casual form of the dap, suitable for any scenario unless a specific handshake is already established.
The pound hug To express extra affection, extend your hand as if offering a handshake. When your friend reciprocates, interlock thumbs and pull them into a brief half-hug—keep your hands clasped at chest level, tilt your head toward their shoulder, and pat their back with your free hand.
- Commonly referred to as the bro hug, this dap is usually reserved for close friendships.
- If you fumble during the hug, lighten the mood with a joke or say, “Wait, let’s try that again.” Remember, it’s only awkward if you let it be.
The pound To perform this dap, extend your fist with your thumb pointing upward. When your friend forms a fist, tap the top of their fist with the bottom of yours, then reverse the motion. Conclude by slapping their hand and sliding yours away, curling your fingers briefly to grasp theirs as you pull back.
- This variation is also called a vertical fist bump.
- Personalize the pound by adding an extra tap, a snap, or a playful phrase like “Sheesh!” at the end.
The chest bump To celebrate a big victory with a friend, lock eyes and signal your intent for a chest bump. Stand a few feet apart, then run toward each other. As you meet, leap into the air and lightly bump chests.
- Keep your arms at your sides during the jump to avoid accidentally elbowing your friend.
The ice in my veins After scoring, slap your friend’s right hand with yours, then tap the back of their hand with the back of yours. Hook your thumb around theirs and give a gentle squeeze. Release, extend your arm, and use your index finger to point to the inside of their forearm.
- This dap was popularized by Lakers player D’Angelo Russell as a celebration for scoring.
Origins of the Dap
Black soldiers developed the dap in the 1960s as a symbol of unity. The dap, standing for dignity and pride, became a powerful gesture for black G.I.s during the Vietnam War, signifying mutual support and solidarity.
- Initially a greeting, the dap soon became a covert communication tool among black soldiers to share battlefield information.
- Misinterpreted by white soldiers and officers as a sign of rebellion, the dap was banned, further cementing its role as a unifying and protective symbol for black men.
