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Surprising Origins of the "High Five" Have you ever given someone a high five? Maybe you celebrated a sports team victory or congratulated a friend on a job well done. The high five is a simple gesture, but have you ever thought about where it came from? Here are some surprising origins of the high five. It's Not as Old as You Think Some people assume that the high five has been around for centuries or even millennia. However, it's a relatively recent invention in the grand scheme of things. While variations of celebratory hand slaps and claps have existed for a long time, the specific motion we now recognize as a high five only emerged in the 1970s. It Has Roots in Sports As you might expect, the high five originated in the world of sports. In particular, basketball appears to have played a significant role in its early days. One of the earliest recorded high fives occurred in 1977 when Dusty Baker gave a congratulatory slap to teammate Glenn Burke after he hit a home run. Both players were on the Los Angeles Dodgers at the time. There Are Many Theories About Its Name The name "high five" seems straightforward enough. However, there are several theories as to why it's called that. Some people believe it's because the gesture involves five fingers. Others think it's because it's a "high" form of celebration, as opposed to a low five (e.g., a fist bump or low fist). It Almost Didn't Catch On Believe it or not, the high five wasn't an instant hit when it first emerged. Some people found it too frivolous or even ridiculous. However, it gradually caught on, especially among sports fans and athletes. Today, it's a ubiquitous part of popular culture, from movies and TV shows to everyday interactions. It's Evolved Over Time While the basic motion of the high five has remained the same over the years, there have been some interesting variations and adaptations. For example, some people like to add a twist or a wiggle to their high five, while others prefer to perform a double or triple high five. Additionally, there are regional and cultural differences in how the high five is executed. In Conclusion The high five is a seemingly simple gesture with a complex backstory. From its origins in sports to its various theories about its name, the high five has become a beloved part of many people's lives. So the next time you give someone a high five, remember that you're participating in a tradition that evolved over time and still continues to grow today.