Dapping someone up and dabbing some up are expressions commonly used by friends. But is there a difference between “dapping someone up” and “dabbing someone up” (dapping someone up vs dabbing someone up)?
Generally, dapping someone up and dabbing someone up are expressions used in informal settings, specifically in communities in the Western world. These expressions involve physical gestures or a style of greeting.
Dapping someone up and dabbing someone up may sound similar, but there are differences between the two colloquial expressions. Dapping someone up and dabbing someone up have different meanings as well as the actions associated with these expressions.
What Is Dapping Someone Up?
Dapping someone up describes an informal act that involves giving an individual a friendly handshake or fist bump. It’s done as a form of greeting, a common gesture to show respect or connect with someone in a friendly manner.
According to sources online, dap originated in the 1960s from the African-American communities and it became a popular gesture of greeting in Western culture. The action of dapping someone up involves shaking hands by holding the thumb or fist bumping and at the same time doing different handshakes, fist explosions, pound hugging or other creative gestures.
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What Is Dabbing Someone Up?
Dabbing someone up may have a variety of interpretations based on the context- Dabbing someone up may refer to the action of giving the person a greeting with a “dab” dance move or a fist bump.
The popular “dab” dance move is done by raising one arm while tucking the head into the other arm’s crook.
Dabbing someone up according to online sources originated from the popular slang “dab me up”. When spelt backwards, the word “dab” spells “bad”.
But if “dabbing someone up” is interpreted as a popular dance move, it usually involves doing the “dab” as a style of greeting or celebration. When used in a different context, dabbing someone up means performing the action of giving someone a fist bump.
Dapping Someone Up vs Dabbing Someone Up: Ways to Dap Someone Up
Let’s look at simple ways to “dap someone up”.
#1. The Fist Bump
Here is how to perform a foolproof dap with a fist bump.
First, make a fist with your knuckles facing towards your friend. Your friend will also put their fist up and then, push it forward to make your knuckles meet theirs.
Generally, fist bumping is the most casual form of “dap” and it’s considered appropriate in any situation.
However, if you are in doubt, it’s better to fist bump it out- unless you and your friend have established a unique handshake, it will be difficult to tell what dap is going down.
#2. The Chest Bump
The chest bump is also another action associated with dapping someone up. It’s commonly seen during sporting events to mark a celebration of victory or scoring a point or a goal.
Outstanding individual performances are also celebrated with the chest bump.
Now here is how to celebrate a major win with your friend. Look at your friend straight in the eye and then give him the heads up to go for the chest bump.
You want to stand a few feet apart from your friend before running up towards him. Once you are close enough, jump up and gently bump chests together.
Remember to always keep your arms by your side when you jump up. It’s important you do this, so as not to accidentally elbow your friend.
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#3. The Ice in My Veins
Scoring a point or a goal in a tough game can bring the best celebration.
If you score the winning point or goal in a game, you can perform this unique celebration. First, slap your friend’s right hand with your right hand and then slap back their hand with the back of your hand.
You will wrap your thumb around the crook of your friend’s thumb, then squeeze nicely. Let go of your friend’s arm, strengthen yours and then use your index finger to point to the inner part of the forearm.
#4. The Pound
Hers is another way to dap someone up for real.
To perform this type of dab, you need to hold out a fist, with your thumb facing up. Your friend will also make a fist, bump the top with the bottom of your fist and vice versa.
Lastly, slap your friend’s hand with your hand and then slice your hand away from your friend’s hand while folding your fingers inward to grip your friend’s fingers.
In addition, you can customize the pound by adding an extra creative fist pound or snap. You can also add fun phrases like saying a word like “Sheesh” at the end of the handshake.
The “pound” is a form of dap that is also known as the vertical fist bump.
#5. The Pound Hug
The pound hug is another creative gesture that can be shared among friends.
This form of dap is performed by extending your hand like you are ready to give a handshake. When your friend shakes your hand, interlock your thumb with him and lean forward for a half-hug.
Keep holding your friend’s hand at chest level, with your head tilted to the side of your friend’s shoulder and then use the other hand to pat him on the back.
The pound hug is also called the bro hug. It’s a form of dap shared among close friends, homeboys, or close associates, especially in the entertainment industry.
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Dapping Someone Up vs Dabbing Someone Up: Difference between Dapping Someone Up and Dabbing Someone Up
Let’s look at the main differences between dapping someone up vs dabbing someone up.
Origin
According to online sources, the Black G.I.s developed the “dap” as a sign of unity during the 1960s. The “dap” is an acronym for dignity and pride- that largely became a movement for African-American soldiers to show their solidarity during the Vietnam War.
Dap is another way to tell someone “I’ve got your back or we are in this together”.
What started as a greeting soon became a secret form of communication between African-American soldiers. They used it to convey important information about the front lines.
Dapping Someone Up vs Dabbing Someone Up: Comparison Chart
| Dapping someone up | Dabbing someone up | |
| Noun | A plimsol | Gentle tap |
| Verb | To run or go somewhere quickly | To press lightly in a repetitive motion with a soft object without rubbing |
| Origin | Created in 1960 by African-American soldiers as a sign of unity | No specific origin |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few frequently asked questions on the difference between dapping someone up vs dabbing someone up.
What is dapping someone up?
Dabbing someone up may refer to the action of giving the person a greeting with a “dab” dance move or a fist bump.
What are the ways to dab someone up?
Common ways to dap someone up include the fist bump, chest bump, ice in my veins, the pound, and the pound hug.
What is dap in slang?
Dap describes an informal act that involves giving an individual a friendly handshake or fist bump. It’s a popular gesture of greeting in Western culture.
Conclusion
Dap may have a variety of interpretations based on the context.
When used in a different context, dabbing someone up means performing the action of giving someone a fist bump. But if it’s interpreted as a popular dance move, it usually involves doing the “dab” as a style of greeting or celebration.
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References
- WikiHow: How to Dap Someone Up Correctly: 5 Effortless Examples
- UrbanDoctionary: Dap me up
- Quora: What is the difference between dapping someone up and dabbing someone up?
