Handshake loses grip as popular gesture

   Please bow your heads in recognition of the passing of the ancient and venerable handshake.

   In frail health for years and seen mostly at formal occasions or when thanking bank managers for loans, the old grip-andgrin guru finally succumbed this spring when the president of the United States was photographed doing a chest bump, and a possible future president exchanged a dap with his wife.

   Let's look at possible replacements for the handshake.

The dap

   Origins: The dap, or fist bump, seems to have been born in the battlefields of the Vietnam War. The original version includes lots of movements, but time has distilled it to a vertical or horizontal fist bump.

   What it means: Patti Wood, an Atlanta body language expert, says the dap conveys a sense of determination and power. After reviewing images of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama exchanging a dap with his wife after learning he had enough delegates to claim the nomination, Wood thought their dap conveyed a sense of being ready to conquer, and that they were unified in their quest.

   Step by step: Raise your hand as if making a handshake, but curl your fingers into a fist. Keeping the arm parallel to the floor, little finger down, thumb on top, extend your fist from about chest level and gently tap the other person's fist.

   Inherent dangers: The participants need to be clear on whether they are doing a dap or a high-five, otherwise awkwardness arises. You also run the risk of injury from jewelry and overenthusiasm.

   Coolness rating: Five of five, but with a potential of decline now that it's becoming mainstream.

The chest bump

   Origins: Most likely originated in professional sports.

   What it means: Wood says the symbolism of the chest bump is of vulnerability and elation. The chest bumpers throw their arms back. Their hands are open, revealing they have no weapons. For men the move says "I want to be close, but I'm not feminine."

   Step by step: Approach your chest-bumping partner, pull your shoulders back and extend your arms, palms open, to the side. Jump forward and bump your partner's chest.

   Inherent dangers: Huge potential for making you look stupid.

   Wood cites the Bush Bump as an example of a bump gone slightly wrong. The president, who instigated the bump during the recent graduation ceremony at the Air Force Academy, does not appear at ease with the move. His hands are clenched, Wood says, and his bump lacks the usual joy.

   Coolness rating: Three of five, and sinking fast.

The high-five

Origins: Developed as an extension of the handshake in the 1970s.

   What it means: The high-five symbolizes joy and power. But because the palm is open, Wood says, the highfive conveys that while there is power, there is no threat.

   Step by step: Raise your hand above your head and, showing your open palm, slap your partner's hand.

   Inherent dangers: Novices should curb their enthusiasm until they develop a callous.

   Coolness rating: Retains coolness of four of five.