The typical male has a different greeting for basically every one of his friends. It can be complicated to keep up with them all in this ever-changing world. In an effort to bring clarity to the complicated interactions that involve dudes, here is a short list of some of the timeless.
1. Handshake.
A very formal greeting, the handshake is often used between two guys meeting each other. A very safe greeting in any situation, this is recommended when the precedent is unknown. Seen in: Weddings, introductions, professional settings, uncomfortable family reunions.
2. Fist Bump.
Often looked at as casual, the fist bump is passing out of the public eye. In any formal situation, it is too casual, and in casual settings, it is a little too forced. Usually accepted as a rare celebration. Seen in: 2015, quiet settings, settings of subdued celebration.
2. Bro Hug.
The bro hug is a very popular greeting between friends. A quality greeting when you’re not sure what to say, also good for goodbyes that are meaningful, but not enough to be emotional about. Seen in: short-term goodbyes, fun, semi-serious settings, greetings between close friends
4. Hug.
There are two types of hugs here. The first is the casual, double pat hug that we all know and love, and the second is the classic embrace. The classic embrace is often reserved for guys greeting girls or close guy friends. The double pat hug on the other hand is used with fun uncles and the friendships where you’re not sure if the embrace is acceptable. Seen in: Greetings after long separation (summer, for example), the end of a fun family gathering, long-term goodbyes, serious goodbyes.
5. The Nod™.
This can be confusing for a lot of people but really boils down to a greeting when nothing needs to be said. Nod up for a greeting, but down for acknowledgement. Seen in: Encounters when you don’t want to talk to someone, a beckoning call.
6. Daps.
A lot of names can be used for this one, but you know it. A dap is basically any of the bro handshakes used that involve a combination of high fives, fist bumps and shakes. Seen in: Basically any greeting between guys, especially in casual settings.
7. Salute.
Rarely used outside of military settings, except by that one weird friend or uncle we all have. Seen in: The military.
8. Chest bump / Hip bump.
A celebratory response to any sports achievement, this is one that can happen between any guys who are friends, regardless of sport. Seen in: Celebrations, celebrations, only celebrations please.
9. The classic wave.
The classic. The classic wave is acceptable in any situation. It is most often used to greet adults and friends who are too far away to notice the nod. Also can be used to get someone’s attention or simply be polite. Seen in: Basically any situation.
10. High five.
Another classic, the high five was started on a baseball field by Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke in 1977 and hasn’t gone out of style since. It is used for props in most situations, but can also be a fun greeting to mix it up once in a while. Seen in: Subdued sports celebrations, any parent/kid celebration, occasional greetings.
And there you have it. With these ten simple greetings, you can stay on top of your greeting game and become the alpha male of your friend group.
