The High-Five: Story of a Modern Gesture

Have you ever raised your hand to celebrate a victory with a friend, slapping your palm against theirs? This gesture, the "high-five," is recognized worldwide. It is a universal symbol of celebration, teamwork, and joy. Although it feels like a natural human action that has existed for centuries, the high-five is actually a modern invention. Its history is surprisingly recent, starting in the world of American sports in the late 1970s.

Most historians agree that the very first high-five occurred on October 2, 1977, during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros. Dusty Baker, a player for the Dodgers, had just hit his thirtieth home run of the season. It was a historic moment for the team. As Baker ran toward the dugout, his teammate Glenn Burke ran out to greet him. Burke raised his hand high in the air, still excited by the home run. Baker, not knowing what else to do, reached up and slapped Burke's hand. That simple, spontaneous moment is widely considered the birth of the high-five.

Another story comes from the world of college basketball. Around 1978, players on the Louisville Cardinals basketball team started using the gesture. One player, Derek Smith, called it the "high-five" to distinguish it from the "low-five," a gesture that had been popular in African American culture since the 1920s. The low-five involved slapping hands at waist level. Raising the hand higher created a more energetic, visible celebration.

From these sports origins, the high-five spread rapidly. It moved from sports stadiums to television screens, and eventually into everyday life. By the 1980s, people all over the world were high-fiving to celebrate personal achievements, greet friends, or show agreement.

Why did this gesture become so popular? Psychologists suggest that the high-five is more than just a greeting. It is a quick, powerful way to build trust and connection. Physical touch releases hormones that make us feel happy and connected to others. In team sports, groups that high-five more often have been shown to perform better because the gesture builds strong cooperative bonds.

Today, the high-five has many variations, from the "air-five" (done without touching, often during video calls) to the "chest bump." Yet, the classic high-five remains the ultimate expression of shared success.

How often do you use the high-five to celebrate with your friends?