Greetings are used in the community every single day. While the goal is to have a positive interaction, different cultures and traditions as well as societal expectations demand certain methods of greetings. Common forms of greetings include handshakes, hugging, kissing, bowing down, verbal greetings and elbow bumps, just to name a few. Although the most common form of greeting is handshakes, the elbow bump has become popular due to hygienic considerations, with the latest being the widespread coronavirus pandemic. 

What is Elbow bumps and why we do them?

Derived from the fist bump, this is a form of greeting whereby two people touch elbows. It began in the early 1980s, with a written record by David Grimes to support this hypothesis.  It has been recommended as an alternative to handshakes due to health reasons including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2014 Ebola outbreak, the swine flu pandemic of 2009 and the 2006 avian flu scare. 

With the coronavirus pandemic, elbow shakes have replaced handshakes, in a bid to try and minimize the spread of the virus. However, experts claim they should also be avoided as the recommended 1.5-metre distance would not be maintained in the interaction. 

For good hygiene, the elbow bump has been endorsed by the World Health Organization, Nobel Laureate Peter Agre and university officials in 2009. 

Why do Handshakes?

This is a widespread form of greeting where people grip another person’s hands, often followed by a brief movement of the hands. It is used upon meeting, offering congratulations, parting, as a diplomatic greeting or as a sign of good sportsmanship. It conveys respect, trust, equality and balance. While customs regarding handshakes differ with cultures, using the right hand is considered proper etiquette. 

This form of greeting dates back to the 9^th century BC where Shalmaneser III, the Assyrian king shook the hand of Marduk-zakir-shumi I, the Babylonian king to seal an alliance. The practice was also carried out in the 5^th century BC as well as in the 4^th century BC. 

In the past, handshakes have been known to spread microbial pathogens. For instance, several organizations and organizations have adopted other forms of greetings during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to mitigate the spread of the virus. 

Similarities between Elbow bumps and Handshakes

• Both are forms of greetings
• Both involve the hands

Differences between Elbow bumps and Handshakes

Definition

Elbow bump refers to a form of greeting whereby two people touch elbows. On the other hand, a handshake refers to a widespread form of greeting where people grip another person’s hands, often followed by a brief movement of the hands. 

Health recommendations

In cases of pandemics or epidemics outbreaks, elbow bumps are recommended to control the spread of disease. On the other hand, handshakes are not recommended in the event of epidemics or pandemics outbreaks as they have been known to spread microbial pathogens. 

Elbow bumps vs. Handshakes: Comparison Table 

Summary of Elbow bumps vs. Handshakes

Elbow bump refers to a form of greeting whereby two people touch elbows. On the other hand, a handshake refers to a widespread form of greeting where people grip another person’s hands, often followed by a brief movement of the hands. Both are, however, forms of greetings involving the use of hands. 

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