The Etymological Grip

A History of the Handshake in Literature and Culture

The simple clasp of two hands—a universally recognized gesture of greeting, agreement, and farewell—is one of humanity’s oldest rituals. Yet, the word we use to name this ritual, “handshake,” is surprisingly modern. Its first appearance as a compound noun in literary works dates back to the very cusp of the 19th century, specifically the year 1801. This late coinage in English literature marks an interesting cultural moment: the point at which a gesture practiced for millennia became a distinct, formal noun.

From Gesture to Noun: A Late Arrival

While the noun “handshake” only emerged in 1801, its root phrase, “to shake hands,” has a far deeper literary pedigree. The action of “shaking hands” to signify agreement, amity, or resolution was already a familiar concept in the 16th century, finding its way into the works of literary giants.

Perhaps the most famous example comes from William Shakespeare, who wrote in As You Like It (c. 1599) of a reconciliation where two quarreling parties “shook hands and swore brothers.” Similarly, a 1594 sonnet by Michael Drayton includes the line, “Since there’s no help, come let us kiss and part,” which invites the parting lovers to “shake hands for ever, cancel all our vows.” In these contexts, the phrase denoted a dramatic sealing of a bargain or the final termination of an affair—a profound, non-verbal signature.

The adoption of the shorter, punchier noun “handshake” in 1801 suggests a key shift. The action had become so common, so integrated into everyday social life—especially as a standard greeting—that it required a dedicated title. It was no longer just an action to seal a momentous vow; it was an established ritual for any quotidian encounter.

The Deep Roots: From Homer to Quakers

The concept of the handshake, often called dexiosis (meaning “joining of the right hands”) by the ancient Greeks, predates the English word by thousands of years.

• Ancient Pledges: The epic poet Homer frequently described characters grasping hands in the Iliad and the Odyssey to demonstrate trust and make pledges. An ancient Assyrian relief from the 9th century B.C. even depicts King Shalmaneser III clasping the hand of a Babylonian ruler to seal a treaty. In these early instances, the gesture was primarily one of alliance and peace, a way for two armed men to show they held no weapons.
• The Ritual of Farewell: In 4th and 5th-century B.C. Greek funerary art, the handshake was a recurring motif on gravestones, symbolizing the eternal bond between the living and the deceased or a final, peaceful farewell.
• Egalitarianism and the Quakers: The gesture experienced a strong cultural resurgence in the 17th century, popularized by groups like the Quakers in Britain. They favored the simple, unpretentious handclasp as an egalitarian alternative to the highly hierarchical rituals of bowing, curtsying, and hat-tipping, which signified social rank. By extending the handshake to everyone regardless of station, the gesture was imbued with a democratic, anti-establishment spirit.

The Victorian Etiquette Wars

The 19th century, the era immediately following the coining of “handshake,” was when the ritual truly diffused across all classes and became the standard greeting we know today. However, this popularization wasn’t without controversy.

As the handshake spread, etiquette manuals began to emerge, often debating the proper way to execute it. In the high society of Victorian Britain, the handshake was sometimes looked down upon as a vulgar, overly familiar “English innovation”—especially by travelers who observed its rampant use in the republican, less-formal United States.

Gender complicated the matter, too. For a time, it was considered improper for a man to initiate a handshake with a woman; the lady had to offer her hand first—a final, formal remnant of the gesture’s earlier, more ritualized uses, battling the democratic spirit the Quakers had instilled.

The Handshake in the Modern Era: A Barometer of Society

The 19th and 20th centuries solidified the handshake as the ultimate social and professional shorthand. By the time the world entered the era of global commerce and diplomacy, the quality of the handshake became a subject of intense scrutiny, particularly in American culture.

Psychologists, business coaches, and self-help gurus began dissecting the perfect grip. The “dead fish” (a limp, cold hand) was universally condemned as a sign of weakness or apathy, while the “bone crusher” (an overly aggressive grip) was seen as a dominant or even hostile display. The ideal became the “firm, dry clasp”—a signal of confidence, honesty, and professional respect. The handshake evolved from a mere transactional gesture (sealing a peace treaty or a farewell) into a crucial tool of personal branding.

In literature and film, the handshake became a powerful narrative device. A hesitant handshake could signify distrust; a refusal to shake hands, a deep, irreconcilable animosity. It provided a moment of high tension or immediate reconciliation, allowing the audience to gauge the true power dynamics between characters without a single word being spoken. The silent, almost cinematic language of the gesture—now formally enshrined as the noun “handshake” since 1801—had become fully integrated into our storytelling toolkit.

The 21st Century Disruption

For over 200 years, the formal “handshake” remained almost unchallenged as the default greeting in Western society. However, the 21st century has introduced significant friction into this ancient ritual.

The rise of digital communication first began to challenge in-person contact, making the firm clasp feel almost anachronistic in a world of casual text messages and remote work. But the true, unprecedented disruption came in 2020 with the global pandemic. Health concerns suddenly transformed the simple, friendly gesture into a potential vector for contagion. Public health authorities worldwide advised against shaking hands, resulting in a rapid shift toward alternative greetings: the elbow bump, the fist bump, the “namaste” bow, or simply a friendly wave.

This global pause forced a profound cultural reflection. Did we truly need the handshake? Was it worth the risk? While many returned to the handshake as the public health crisis subsided, the debate remains, and a lingering reluctance in certain social settings persists. The handshake is no longer an automatic, thoughtless gesture; it is now a deliberate choice, often requiring a momentary non-verbal negotiation between two people.

The Complete Story of the Grip

From the ancient Assyrian relief depicting a diplomatic agreement to the Quaker meeting house where it symbolized radical equality, and finally, to the modern dilemma of viral transmission, the joining of hands has always been more than just a greeting.

The history of the handshake is the story of human civilization’s need for verifiable trust. It started as a practical demonstration of peace—I carry no weapon. It evolved into a legal and social sign-off—I agree to this vow. And finally, when the action became so standard it needed a name, the word “handshake” was coined in 1801, cementing its status as the social default.

Today, whether you offer a firm handshake or opt for a simple wave, you are participating in a conversation that spans thousands of years. The grip may change, and its necessity may be debated, but its function remains vital: it is a non-verbal compact, a momentary meeting of two individuals acknowledging mutual presence and respect. The power of the handshake, whether literary or literal, endures, silently binding us to the long, rich history of human connection.