A handshake? Too basic. A simple “hey”? Not nearly enough. Real friendships deserve epic greetings. Whether it’s a dramatic high-five, an over-the-top hug, or a handshake so complicated it needs rehearsals, the way we say hello to our best friends is anything but ordinary.
Some greetings are wild, some are heartfelt, and some are just downright weird—but they all have one thing in common: they bring friends closer together.
So, how do friends around the world kick off their reunions in style? Buckle up—we’re about to take a whirlwind tour of the most legendary friendship greetings from across the globe!
1. The Secret Handshake
Let’s start with the classic: the secret handshake. In many Western countries, best friends take a simple handshake and turn it into a highly choreographed masterpiece.
If you grew up making up elaborate handshakes with your bestie, you’re not alone! Secret handshakes often include:
- A series of slaps, snaps, and fist bumps
- Inside jokes hidden in movements
- A final dramatic pose (because why not?)
Basketball teams, childhood friends, and even world leaders have their own versions. Take LeBron James and Dwyane Wade—their custom handshake before every game was practically a ritual!
Where You’ll Find It: USA, Canada, UK, and pretty much every schoolyard ever.
2. The Cheek Kiss
In some cultures, a simple handshake or hug won’t do—you’ve got to go cheek to cheek (to cheek)!
In France, Belgium, and parts of Switzerland, friends often greet each other with three kisses—one on each cheek and then back to the first. But don’t get too comfortable, because the number of kisses varies by region.
- Two kisses? You’re in Paris.
- Three kisses? Hello from Provence.
- Four kisses? You’ve landed in some parts of Belgium!
It’s a warm, friendly greeting, but for newcomers, the biggest challenge is figuring out which cheek to start on! (Pro tip: It’s usually the right.)
Where You’ll Find It: France, Belgium, Switzerland, parts of Spain and Italy.
3. The Māori Hongi
Forget handshakes—if you’re in New Zealand, a traditional Māori greeting involves something far more intimate: pressing your nose and forehead together. This greeting, called the Hongi, symbolizes the exchange of breath, respect, and deep connection between friends.
It’s a beautiful tradition that goes beyond just saying hello—it’s a way of acknowledging the life force in one another. When two people share a Hongi, they are no longer strangers but connected as friends or family.
Where You’ll Find It: New Zealand (especially in Māori communities).
4. The Fist Bump
A symbol of friendship, respect, and coolness, the fist bump is more than just a quick greeting—it’s a universal sign of solidarity.
Originating in African American and Caribbean communities, the fist bump became popularized by athletes and hip-hop culture before spreading worldwide. Today, it’s used between besties, teammates, and even presidents (yes, Barack Obama made it official!).
- The classic fist bump: A quick knuckle-to-knuckle tap.
- Explosion fist bump: The extra “boom” after pulling back.
- Elbow bump: The pandemic-friendly alternative!
Where You’ll Find It: USA, Caribbean, sports culture worldwide.
5. The Bear Hug
For many cultures, a handshake just won’t cut it—only a full-body bear hug will do!
In Argentina, Brazil, and much of Latin America, friends greet each other with big, tight hugs that last a little longer than you’d expect. There’s no such thing as a quick pat on the back—friendship deserves a real embrace.
Some versions include:
- A hug and a back slap for good measure
- A hug combined with a cheek kiss (in some places)
- Multiple hugs throughout a conversation (because one isn’t enough)
Where You’ll Find It: Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and many parts of Latin America.
6. The Nose Kiss
In some Middle Eastern cultures, close male friends greet each other with a nose kiss—a respectful and affectionate gesture that symbolizes deep friendship and honor.
Unlike the French cheek kiss, this greeting isn’t about romance—it’s about brotherhood and respect. It’s most common in Oman and the United Arab Emirates, often exchanged between close male friends and family members.
Where You’ll Find It: Oman, UAE, parts of Saudi Arabia.
7. The Forehead Touch
While not as commonly practiced today, forehead touching was once a sign of deep friendship and trust in ancient Celtic culture. Known as the "Celtic forehead touch", this greeting was a way for friends and family members to share energy and show mutual respect.
Although it’s less common now, modern-day Scots and Irish people still embrace “big, warm hugs” as their go-to greeting for close friends.
Where You’ll Find It: Scotland, Ireland (historical roots, but not as common today).
8. The Bro Nod
Sometimes, words (or even physical contact) aren’t necessary—just a simple head nod does the trick.
Among male friends, particularly in Britain, Germany, and Scandinavia, a quick, upward nod is a way of saying:
- “Hey, what’s up?”
- “Good to see you, mate.”
- “We acknowledge each other’s existence, and that is enough.”
The upward nod is usually for friends and equals, while the downward nod is more formal and reserved for respectful greetings (think teachers, bosses, or elders).
Where You’ll Find It: UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland.
9. The Slap & Hug Combo
In Russia, Poland, Ukraine, and other parts of Eastern Europe, male friends have a unique way of greeting each other—it’s a mix between a strong handshake, a shoulder slap, and a quick hug.
It starts with a firm handshake (Eastern Europeans take handshakes very seriously).
Then comes a strong shoulder slap or even a light punch on the arm.
Finally, a brief but solid hug, usually with one or two quick pats on the back.
This greeting is friendly but strong, meant to symbolize respect and brotherhood.
Where You’ll Find It: Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Serbia, and other Eastern European countries.
10. The Viking Handshake
Back in the Viking days, warriors would grasp each other's forearms instead of shaking hands—a greeting that symbolized strength, trust, and honesty.
Though it’s no longer a daily custom, Icelanders and some Scandinavians still practice strong, firm handshakes as a sign of respect and friendship. Some reenactments and historical events even revive the forearm-grab handshake as a nod to Viking heritage.
Where You’ll Find It: Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark (historical roots).
11. The Cheek Slap
In Greece and some Mediterranean cultures, a playful cheek slap or light tap on the face is actually a friendly greeting among close male friends. It’s a sign of affection, like saying, “Good to see you, my friend!”
- It’s often paired with a handshake, hug, or cheek kiss.
- The slap is gentle, never aggressive—think of it as a big-brotherly gesture.
- It’s most common in informal settings between lifelong friends.
Where You’ll Find It: Greece, parts of Italy, and the Mediterranean region.
Whether it’s an elaborate handshake, an enthusiastic hug, or a simple nod, the way we greet each other shapes our relationships in ways we don’t always realize. So why not have a little fun with it? Mix things up, embrace a new tradition, or create your own signature greeting—because every great friendship deserves a hello that’s just as special.
And why not switch things up with a whole new kind of greeting? Next time you see a friend, instead of a handshake or a hug, try "Hey, will you sign my friendship book?" It’s the perfect way to make your hello last—because a handshake fades, but the memories in My Friends and I will stick around forever!
Photo by Kindel Media