The fist bump—cool, casual, and full of good vibes. But where did it come from?

Some say it started in the boxing ring, where fighters tapped gloves in a gesture of respect. Others credit 1970s NBA players, who swapped high-fives for fist bumps to avoid sweaty palms—quick, clean, and still friendly. Players like Fred Carter helped make it cool on and off the court.

There’s even a superhero theory: comic book characters would fist-bump to show unity, and fans brought that feeling into real life.

By the 2000s, fist bumps were everywhere—from ballplayers to presidents. Today, they’re a go-to sign of friendship, respect, and germ-free greetings.