A dip snap (also known as 'fatty dip') is a gesture/hand motion achieved by loosely swinging one's hand quickly with the forefinger stuck out and the thumb and middle finger touching, causing the forefinger to strike the thumb or middle finger, resulting in a sound similar to the slap caused by a regular snap. It was originally devised as a way to pack the snuff, or dip, in its tin, done by simply doing the above with the tin held firmly in between the thumb and middle finger. It is often used by "dippers" as a sort of secret calling card, to announce to other "dippers" who know what he is doing that he is a fellow "dipper".

British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen adopted the dip snap for his "wanksta" fictional reporter Ali G.

Among Finnish conscripts repeated dip snaps are used gibingly, especially during the last few weeks of service, to signal a comparatively sooner departure to those conscripts with a longer remaining time in service. This gesture had the same meaning for Italian conscripts.

External links

Video Demonstration

See also

hand gestures

dipping tobacco