Fist bump

My colleague, Web editor Jimmy Greenfield, wrote a funny column today about the fist bump, when two people touch fists as a sign of affection or triumph.

The fist bump made news this week when Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and wife Michelle shared a bump at a rally in Minnesota after Obama clinched the Democratic nomination.

Jimmy said while he found the Obama fist bump endearing, fist bumps are not nearly as cool as the high-five.

He writes: "The biggest problem with the fist bump is it's unnecessary. Let me remind you that the fist bump's older, cooler brother—the high-five—is still far and away a better, easier and more appropriate way to express excitement with your hands.

Whereas the high-five is loud and boisterous, the fist bump is quiet and boring. Whereas the high-five can be quickly adjusted to be a low-five, slow-five or backhand five, the fist bump is what it is."

I completely agree with Jimmy. I always find it awkward when someone tries to engage me in a fist bump.

I prefer and encourage the high-five. Already today, I've high-fived someone twice: both times at a River North bar early this morning. The bar is second-best place to participate in a high-five.

The best place is on a field or in a gym as part of a team-setting. The third-best place is at a bowling alley.

Which do you prefer: the fist bump or the high-five?