The Ultimate 'How I Met Your Mother' Guide To The High Five
There's nothing quite like a perfectly executed high five, and when it comes to the How I Met Your Mother gang, there's really only one character that has perfected it.
Whether he's announcing one or requesting one, Barney is the undisputed high-fiving master. And for Stinson, there's no occasion too small or too epic to bust out a high one (or five). But sometimes, depending on the situation, the classic open hand slap exchange just won't do. Here's a list of some of Barney's most legendary variations of the classic high five:
[How I Met Your Mother weeknights at 4 & 6:30pm on myTV38]
RELAPSE FIVE:
When you high five, then it's awkward for a little bit, then you high five again. [Episode: Slapsgiving]
ARTHRITIS FIVE:
When arthritic hands cause your fingers to curl into the shape of a claw. Primarily used by, or when imitating, the elderly. [Episode: Intervention]
SELF FIVE:
Sometimes there's just nobody else around to share in the ultimate moment of a high five. Or sometimes there are plenty of people around, but nobody wants to partake in an epic fiver. For that, there's the "Self Five," simply performed by high fiving your own, opposite hand. [Episode: Slutty Pumpkin; The Broath]
PHONE FIVE:
When you're on the phone you can give a high-five to the person you're speaking with by slapping the phone in a traditional high-fiving motion. This is very similar to the "Self Five" but with the inclusion of a cell phone. [Episode: Sweet Taste of Liberty]
SOLEMN LOW FIVE:
Reserved for more somber occasions, this is sort of the anti-high five. Much quieter and more respectful, this is the appropriate way to celebrate when celebrating just isn't appropriate.
Note: This move is very similar to the classic "down low, too slow" maneuver, but without pulling your hand away. [Episode: Monday Night Football]
HYPOTHETICAL HIGH FIVE:
Just imagine the perfect high five: just the right height, ideal symmetry upon contact, and a crisp hand-to-hand snap. Don't do, just think … hypothetically. No action, but boisterous reaction. NICE! [Episode: The Scorpion and the Toad]
FREEZE FRAME HIGH FIVE:
This homage to Massachusetts' own J. Geils Band is a less common but equally effective high five technique. When prompted, both parties perform a traditional high five but freeze in place immediately upon contact. [Episode: Zip, Zip, Zip]
TINY FIVE:
Hand size discrepancy can be a common occurrence among high fiving partners, especially between an adult and a child. The resulting difference becomes a "Tiny Five." [Episode: Nothing Good Happens After 2 A.M.]
MULTIPLE HIGH FIVES:
Much like it sounds, this technique involves a series of repeating high five after initial contact. Several high fives directly in a row result in the classic "Multiple High Fives" technique. While performing back-to-back-to-back high fives is an appropriate show of enthusiasm, be forewarned this maneuver requires immense concentration and stamina. [Episode: World's Greatest Couple]
DOOR FIVE:
Never again let a stupid door get in the way of an epic high five. When this is the case, two wiling participants can both still high five the door on opposite ends to perform this dangerous but extremely affective hand slap. [Episode: Definitions]
HIGH TWO:
This is similar to the classic high five but performed with only two fingers instead of the traditional five. [Episode: Game Night]
HIGH SIX:
Used for when a regular high five just doesn't cut it. This is performed by adding an additional finger from your other hand to go along with the classic high five. It's deceptively awesome. [Episode: Big Days]
MOTILITY FIVE:
Reserved specifically for the celebration of a man's fertility. To perform this relatively complex high five, one participant starts by waggling his/her hand as though imitating the movement of a fish upwards towards the recipient's open palm, then performing an epic high five. [Episode: Bad News]
CLAW FIVE:
Both parties don Wolverine claws and perform a regular high five. [Episode: Mosbius Designs]
HIGH V:
What ancient Romans called a high five (the Roman numeral for 5 is 'V'). [Episode: Desperation Day]
WORD PLAY FIVE:
There's only one real way to celebrate an epic play on words, and this is it. For example, if as a gift you ever received a "Thai you'd actually wear." World Play Five! [Episode: Not A Father's Day]
FOOT FIVE:
When you request a high five with your foot instead of your hand. [Episode: Belly Full of Turkey]
