Fistbump

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. A greeting or sign of approval made by gently knocking one's closed fist against another person's fist ; to greet or show agreement with someone by performing this gesture
2. A casual salute in which two closed hands are touched knuckle to knuckle ; to acknowledge another person by making this quick hand gesture together
3. A brief touch of clenched fists used as a friendly greeting or celebration ; to signal camaraderie or approval by knocking fists with someone

Etymology: The gesture is almost exactly what its name says: a fist pressed against another fist, with a light knock. "Fist" and "bump" are both old English words that were simply placed side by side, and the compound describes the action in the plainest possible terms. The word has no hidden metaphor or borrowed root to untangle. What makes it interesting is how far the compound has travelled from its parts. "Bump" once suggested a heavy knock or a swelling on the head, but in this word it has softened into a quick, friendly contact. The gesture itself has long been a casual greeting or a sign of agreement, and the noun now refers to that exchange rather than to any blow.

Synonyms: knuckle bump