As the world shifts to a more casual approach to communication, social interactions, and physical interactions, different terms and phrases have emerged to communicate specific acts or moments. The culture of handshakes during first-time introductions is being challenged by more informal and relaxed greetings. One such greeting used among younger people is the Dab Up or Dap Up. This article will discuss what Dab Up and Dap Up mean, the difference between the two, and why they are relevant today.
What is Dab Up or Dap Up?
Dab Up and Dap Up are both terms used by younger generations as a greeting or acknowledgment between friends, acquaintances, or strangers. The two phrases are interchangeable and have slight differences that will be explored later in the article. The act of performing a dap or dab usually involves two or more people bumping fists or knuckles together, followed by a subtle yet brief handshake.
The phrase ‘dab up’ derives from the dance move called the dab, which became a popular internet meme in 2015. The move involves tucking one’s head into one elbow, while the opposite arm stretches out in a pointing position. The phrase ‘dab up’ stems from the original act of performing the dab but has evolved to mean a more casual fist bump followed by a handshake.
On the other hand, ‘dap up’ originated from African American slang, and ‘dap’ means “to give a quick high-five, fist bump, or handshake.” It traces its roots back to American military slang during the Vietnam War, where African American soldiers used it as a way to acknowledge one another. Over time, it is now used to talk about the act of touching fists or handshake with or without adding a little snap or slap in the move.
Difference between Dab Up and Dap Up
While both terms can be used interchangeably, they have slight differences that distinguish them. Dap up is the more established term and is a more formal greeting than dab up. It is culturally rooted in African American military history and has been used for decades in professional sports and entertainment.
Dab up, on the other hand, is a relatively new term that emerged from the popularity of the dance move called the dab. It is associated more with younger generations and is less formal than dap up. Unlike dap up, which involves a firm handshake, the handshake that comes after the bump in dab up is usually softer.
Today, both dap up and dab up share many similar traits, including the act of bumping fists or knuckles, followed by a quick handshake or a greeting. They both serve the same purpose, which is to acknowledge, greet or congratulate a person without necessarily having to say any words.
Why Dab Up and Dap Up are relevant today
Dab up and dap up are popular among the younger generation because of their simplicity and casual nature. They allow people to express themselves in a non-confrontational way, and it’s a way for people to connect with one another.
As the world becomes more diverse, these terms offer an inclusive way to communicate and acknowledge people from different backgrounds. The casualness of these greetings enables people to connect with one another in a way that formal handshakes or bows may not.
Dab up and Dap up are not only popular among young people but are also now being mainstreamed into different cultures, including sports, entertainment, politics, and business. Politicians and business leaders have embraced these greetings as a way to connect more authentically with their audiences and employees.
FAQs about Dab Up and Dap Up
1. Is Dab Up and Dap Up the same thing?
Dab up and dap up are very similar, but the key difference is their history and formality. Dap up has a longer cultural history and is considered more formal than dab up, which originated from a dance move.
2. What does it mean when someone dabs up or dap up with you?
When someone dabs up or dap up with you, it’s a form of acknowledgment or greeting. It’s a non-verbal way of saying hello, congratulations or showing appreciation.
3. Can anyone use Dab Up or Dap Up?
Yes, anyone can use these terms, but it’s essential to understand the cultural significance of these terms. You may want to do some research around their origins and history to better understand their significance and context.
Final Thoughts
As the world moves towards a more casual approach to communication, younger generations are creating their own unique cultural patterns, including greeting styles such as dab up and dap up. These new phrases are slowly becoming more mainstream as they offer a new way to connect more authentically with people from different backgrounds. As such, it’s important to learn and understand these greetings and not dismiss them as merely fads or trends.