Buzz
Exploring the confusion surrounding these two expressions
Have you ever heard the phrase 'dabbed up' and wondered what it actually means… or if it’s synonymous with 'dapped up'? While both phrases are often used interchangeably, 'dabbed up' generally refers to a greeting between friends. But that’s not the only interpretation of this widely-used slang. In this article, we’ll dive into the multiple meanings of 'dabbed up,' the way to dap someone, and the origins of the term.
What Does “Dabbed Up” Mean?
When two friends greet each other with a unique handshake, this is called 'dabbing up' (often used in place of 'dapping'). Dabbing can also refer to the iconic dab dance move or smoking concentrated marijuana known as dabs.
How to Dab
Is it dabbed up or dapped up, to begin with?
Dabbed up and dapped up are frequently used interchangeably, and both generally refer to greeting a friend with an elaborate handshake. These handshakes may involve various moves such as slaps, snaps, fist bumps, and more, and they’re typically shared between close friends. There’s no one right or wrong way to dab or dap someone up. Many people come up with their own personalized styles. For instance, athletes often dab or dap up their teammates before games or to celebrate a memorable play.
Dabbing up can also be associated with the popular dab dance move. Dabbing, a dance made famous by the rap group Migos, begins with one arm raised towards the sky. The dancer then bends the other arm and bows their head into the inside of their elbow as if they’re sneezing or wiping away sweat. After that, they hit their head against their elbow a few times. To finish, the dancer straightens their arms and switches sides.
- The dancer may elevate the routine by walking, hopping, or shaking their hips.
- They can also swing their arms side to side or wave their hands in the air as they switch sides.
In some contexts, 'dabbing up' refers to smoking marijuana concentrates. Dabs are potent marijuana extracts, and people typically use a special smoking device called a dab rig to consume them. If someone mentions 'dabbing up' in relation to smoking marijuana, they could be talking about using a dab rig.
How to Dab/Dap Someone Up
Start with a simple fist bump to dab/dap someone up. The easiest way to dab or dap someone up is by making a fist with your knuckles facing forward and offering it to your friend. They do the same, and you both bump your knuckles together. Unless you and your friend have a specific variation, the fist bump is universally understood and works in almost every situation. So, when unsure, just go for the fist bump.
- There are countless variations of dabs and daps, so unless you and your friend have an established handshake, you won’t know exactly which dap is coming.
Customize your dab/dap with a pound. To perform this variation, extend your fist with your thumb up. Tap the top of your friend’s fist with the bottom of yours, then do the reverse. After that, open your hands and slap them together. Finally, slide your hand away from theirs, letting your fingertips catch theirs for a snapping sound.
- This variation is commonly called a vertical fist bump.
- Make it your own by adding another fist pound or snap to it.
Make your dab/dap more personal by adding a pound hug. For a more affectionate greeting, extend your hand as if offering a handshake. When your friend takes your hand, pull them into a quick half-hug while keeping their hand at chest level. Tilt your head to the side and use your free hand to give their back a solid pat.
- This greeting is also referred to as the bro hug and is generally reserved for close friends.
Where Did Dabbing/Dapping People Up Come From?
The dap was created by Black G.I.s during the Vietnam War as a symbol of unity. The dap, which stands for 'dignity and pride,' was a combination of hand and body gestures used by Black soldiers to show solidarity with one another during the war. It served as a way to reaffirm that they would watch each other's backs both in camp and in the jungle.
- Because white soldiers and officers mistakenly thought the dap was a secret signal for rebellion, some Black soldiers faced punishment or even dismissal from the military for using it.
- After returning home, soldiers continued using the dap as a greeting among friends in the U.S.
“Dab Me Up” Meme & Emoji
The “dab me up” emoji became popular on social media as part of a meme. Originally designed as an emote for the mobile game Mafia City, this emoji was known as the “Stronger Than You” emote and was used by players to tease others in the in-game chat. In early 2020, the emote made its way to Reddit, and by 2021, it became a reaction meme on Discord. In January 2021, Twitter user @DoubleJTheG shared the emote alongside a hand and the text, "Dab me up."
- A few days later, Twitter user @FUNDIESplatinum posted the emote with the phrase “I gotchu fam.”
- In response to a comment from @ItsAxel_meme, user @goodkiddropout posted the meme with the text “ight.”
- Over the following months, Twitter users continued to remix the meme with their own variations of the text.
