The knuckle fist, also known as a punch or bump, is a friendly gesture where two people clap clenched fists together on the knuckles. Its origins are unclear, but it may be related to dap greetings exchanged by soldiers in African-American units during World War II and Vietnam. It is common in many subcultures and was famously exchanged by Barack and Michelle Obama in 2008.
A knuckle fist is a friendly gesture exchanged between individuals, much like a handshake or a high five, in which two people clap clenched fists together on the knuckles. Any number of occasions can cause this action, from meeting an old friend to celebrating a victory, and the bump can also be combined into another form of physical greeting. It is also known as a punch, bump, or knuckle bump, among other things.
Among the large library of physical greetings used by humans around the world, the punch is a bit unusual, in that it involves a clenched fist. In most societies, a clenched hand is perceived as hostile or confrontational, rather than friendly, and this can lead to some misunderstanding among people unfamiliar with the gesture.
The origins of the gesture are unclear. Historical evidence suggests that it may be related to dap greetings exchanged by soldiers in African-American units during World War II and Vietnam. The dap greeting is a complex form of greeting that can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the style of greeting used, and such greetings typically include a complex built-in social code that mutually identifies those involved in the greeting, just like a Masonic handshake. Over time, this greeting has become associated with black solidarity, with various versions reflecting membership in organizations, communities, and political groups. Certainly in the 1970s, the punch smack was common in sports and many people were familiar with the mechanics of the dap salute.
While more common in the black community, the fist also appears among other racial groups. Many subcultures develop their own version of a dap greeting, which often complements other gestures that can include slapping or clapping. For people who belong to such communities, bumping is a source of connection with other community members and can become so thoughtful that they are not even aware that they are performing a dap salute.
The world at large became particularly interested in the first strike in 2008, when Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama exchanged one on the podium with his wife, Michelle. The ensuing media frenzy over the endearing gesture came as a surprise to the candidate, who simply commented that sometimes he and his wife like to do “silly things” together. As a celebratory gesture, it was appropriate enough for the time, and perhaps more enjoyable for American voters to see on television than some of the more extravagant displays of affection between candidates and their spouses.
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