The Tickle Shake

A handshake is a short social ritual in which two people grasp one of each other's opposite hands, and most cases accompanied by a brief up and down movement of the grasped hands.

Now commonly seen as an agreeable mode of greeting between relative strangers, the act supposedly originated as a simple gesture of peace demonstrating that there is no weapon at hand.

Between two men however, it can rapidly turn into a tussle of physical strength. A non-too-subtle gauge of one's apparent machismo if you may. The firm, masterly handshake is a fundamental skill taught to all boys in their budding adolescent years. Despite the fact that too strong a handshake, veering towards broken fingers, is considered sadly poor form, that's still far preferable to offering a limp, clammy handshake instead.

Even after being crushed by an iron fist, no man - if he doesn't wish to be tagged as a wimp - complains that a proper handshake is too forceful.


Felix : See! That's the weird handshake guy!
Paul : Whoa, dude.
So when we met a straight fellow in town the other day, we found ourselves feeling a bit... unnerved. Not only did this new fellow Elton Engineer begin the conversation with talk of man-whores offering free sexual services, he then brazenly continued with a suggestive proposition to examine him for STDs. Together with a cheeky, wholly inappropriate wink.

Shrugged it off though. Figured it was his usual manner since otherwise Elton Engineer seemed like a genial enough fellow.

Then came the farewells. The initial handshake during the meet-and-greet was common enough - but the handshake at goodbye was a bit bewildering to say the least.

Paul : I had the weirdest handshake earlier.
Felix : Same here.
Paul : He did that tickle shake thingy?
Felix : Yeah. What was that all about?
Paul : Weird.

A handshake with a sly palm tickle with the middle finger?

Seriously. What was that all about? Swear I almost - as a schooled reflex - threw my other fist into Elton's face. Barely restrained myself. Couldn't decide if there was a trace of subtle homophobia in his manner or he was trying his best, if inexpertly, to drop some lures. Perhaps a wind up?