A celebratory gesture in which two people slap raised palms together.
Reach for it when describing brief informal congratulations when physical contact is welcome
The relay partners exchanged a high-five after checking the final time.
| playful |
|
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional |
playful
air five
Fits when the gesture is mimed without contact
Careful Air five is specifically touch-free and should not replace high-five when palms meet.
playful
victory salute
Fits when the gesture follows a win or completed challenge
Careful A salute can be solitary or formal and does not require touching hands.
everyday
hand slap
Fits when the physical action needs plain description
Careful Hand slap can sound aggressive and omits the shared celebratory intent.
warm
congratulatory tap
Fits when brief contact conveys praise with less force
Careful A tap is gentler and may involve a shoulder or fist rather than raised palms.
professional
celebratory gesture
Fits when the meaning matters more than the specific movement
Careful The phrase includes applause, signs, and embraces, so it does not identify a high-five.
give a high-five
The coach asked whether she could give the child a high-five.
exchange a high-five
The two mechanics exchanged a high-five when the engine started.
virtual high-five
A virtual high-five closed the remote workshop.
Keep in mind
High-fives involve touch and a raised-arm movement; consent, mobility, culture, and infection-control needs can make another gesture more appropriate.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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