Fist pounds

Most people are aware of the basic methods of greeting an acquaintance: the handshake, the hug, the man-hug, the high-five, and the chest bump are among the most popular. No greeting, however, has the infinite variation and accompanying delight of the Fist Pound. Here are instructions for executing interesting and gratifying pounds of the fist.

The Perfect Pound

Popularized by Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire when they were still American heroes, the Perfect Pound endures as a favorite of the masses. You've probably seen it: one person pounds down as the other pounds upward, then switch positions for a second pound, and then finish with a horizontal engagement. This technique is a bit tricky, because there must be an implicit decision as to who starts on top. But if you can solve that problem with grace and without words, you will have the Perfect Pound.

Breaking the Pound Barrier

Fists approach at a moderate speed and brake to the reduced velocity of a bullet in the Matrix at a distance of 8 inches. Continue the slow approach to a separation of 2 inches, at which time both participants make a "boom" or "whoosh" sound as the fists accelerate, collide, and recoil. The hands should open up in the recoil.

Pound of Flesh

This starts as a two-fisted pound with fists at shoulder height. After contact, the fists should remain in place as participants execute a manly chest bump.

Pound of Music

This is more than a little fruity. Begin with a regular right-hand pound, and lock right arms with the other participant. Spin clockwise 180 degrees (360 for added fruititude), then face each other pound left fists, join left arms and repeat counter-clockwise. Singing is strictly optional.

Poundcake

Initiate a fist pound at mouth height. During contact, move your head close to the touching fists and pretend to take a big, sensuous bite out of them.

Napoleon Bonapound

Note: this requires each participant to be wearing a coat or jacket. Initiate a normal right-fist pound. Slide your hand into your coat and stare off triumphantly into the distance.

Quarter Pounder

Pound with one hand but only make contact with one knuckle.

Quarter Pounder with Cheese

Same as above, but bring your other hand above the Quarter Pounder to "sprinkle" the cheese. This should involve a light, whispering sound effect in conjunction with wiggling your fingers, perhaps lightly touching the other person's wiggling fingers.

Lost & Pound

Start with a right-fist pound, but miss by veering to the left. Follow it up by connecting with an assertive left-fist pound.

Zounds of Pounds

Warning: enormous fruitiness factor involved. You may not be a man after completing this pound.

Start by rapidly pounding the other person's fists, alternating left and right. After a few seconds, say in a falsetto voice, "Zounds of Pounds!!!!!" and continue the rapid-fire pounding until someone gives up.

Mastur-pounding

Who says you need a partner to pound? Make two fists and pound them vertically such that the first finger and thumb of the left fist make contact with the pinky of the right fist. Great for self-congratulatory moments, or if you've gone too long without a real pound.

Pound Robin

Requires three or more participants. The best Pound Robins begin with someone declaring "Pound Robin!", and everyone present must pound with everyone else. Sort of like "Cheers!", but with fists. However, technically, a Pound Robin is said to have taken place if every participant engages in a fist pound with every other participant, regardless of whether it was declared at the beginning.

Pound Explode, aka Exploding Pound

An American classic. Start with a regular fist pound, but upon contact, open your fist and quickly retract your hand. Sound effects appreciated.

The Reverb Pound

Execute an Exploding Pound. After hands are open and apart, bring them back together and close into a pound. Retract fists.

Pound of Goose

Start a pound. Twist your fists and slide them along one another such that the backs of your hands are touching. As they are sliding along, open your fist and lock thumbs with the other participant. Flap your hands and fly away.

(Not to be confused with the Pound Birdy, which involves the middle finger.)

Pound of Dead Goose

Combines the best elements of the Pound of Goose and the Exploding Pound. Execute a Pound of Goose, but before flying too far away, someone says "BOOM!" and destroys the bird.

Pound & Lock

Simple but elegant. Pound fists, twist them 90 degrees clockwise, and make a clicking noise.

British Pound

Pound, then buff your knuckles on your waistcoat.

The Pound and the Fury

Start with an innocent enough pound, but proceed to scream incoherently until they put you away.

Dog Pound

Start with a pound, but as soon as you make contact, flop your tongue out of your mouth and begin rapidly stamping one foot on the floor incontrollably. "Attaboy..."

Genghis Pound

Start with a normal enough pound, then rape/slaughter the other participant.