Fist

What a Fist Is

A fist is the shape your hand makes when you bend your fingers inward against your palm and hold them tightly together. You fold your fingers into the center of your palm and then place your thumb over the middle part of your hand. This is called making or clenching a fist.

How People Use a Fist

People use a closed fist to tap gently or hit a surface. An open fist, where you hold your thumb against the side of your index finger, is used to tap very lightly with a finger. Some places even call a fist a “nieve” or a “neef!”

Feeling Better with a Fist

Making a fist can help people remember things. It can also help people feel better when they are stressed or worried, by keeping their mind busy with moving their muscles.

Special Signs

The raised fist is a sign that means standing up for what you believe in and working together. There is also a special greeting called the fist bump.