10 Types of Handshakes and Their Hidden Meanings, According to a Body Language Expert

According to body language expert, Prof Rashmi Gaur, Institute of Nonverbal Communication Studies, "Handshakes are deeply ingrained in human behaviour. They can communicate dominance, warmth, insecurity, or even disinterest—all without a single word."

Whether you're in a job interview, meeting someone new, or navigating a professional setting, understanding these subtle cues can help you read people better and even adjust your own handshake to make the right impression.

Types of Handshakes and Their Hidden Meanings

The Controller

Some people don’t just shake your hand—they steer it. If someone pulls your hand toward them, angles it downward, or otherwise directs the motion, they’re likely trying to establish dominance. This is common in competitive environments where power dynamics are at play.

The Finger Vice

Instead of a full-palm grip, this handshake involves only grabbing your fingers. It can feel distant, as if the person doesn’t want to fully engage. If the grip is also firm, it might mean they’re asserting strength while still maintaining emotional barriers.

The Bone Crusher

A painfully tight handshake isn’t just firm it’s aggressive. While a solid grip can show confidence, squeezing too hard is often a deliberate attempt to intimidate or test the other person. Some people do this to mask their own insecurities.

The Sweaty Handshake

When someone’s palms are damp during a handshake, it usually points to anxiety. Stress, social discomfort, or even the pressure of a high-stakes meeting can trigger sweaty hands. It doesn’t always mean they’re insecure, just that their nerves are getting the best of them in the moment.

The Dead Fish

A limp, lifeless handshake where the other person’s hand just sits in yours can feel awkward and unimpressive. This often signals low self-confidence, disinterest, or even a lack of energy. In professional settings, it can leave a weak first impression.

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The Brush-Off

If someone barely grips your hand before quickly pulling away, it can feel like they’re rushing through the interaction. This kind of handshake suggests they’re not fully present or might even be subtly signalling that they’d rather not engage deeply.

The Two-Handed Shake

Often used by politicians and public figures, this handshake involves clasping your hand with both of theirs. At its best, it conveys warmth and sincerity. But if the second hand creeps up your arm or grips too firmly, it might be an attempt to assert control or dominance.

The Lobster Claw

In this awkward handshake, the other person’s fingers barely touch your palm, almost like a claw. It suggests discomfort with physical contact, difficulty forming close connections, or even social unease.

The Top-Handed Shake

If someone positions their hand on top during a handshake, it can be a subtle way of signalling superiority. Common in hierarchical workplaces, this style suggests they see themselves as the authority in the interaction.

The Pusher

When someone extends their arm stiffly, keeping you at a distance, it’s a clear sign they value personal space. This could mean they’re reserved, cautious, or simply not in the mood for a close interaction.

Not all handshakes are the same worldwide. In some cultures, a firm grip is a sign of respect, while in others, it might be seen as aggressive. Some places combine handshakes with cheek kisses, while others prefer a bow.

Next time you shake someone’s hand, pay attention, it might be telling you more than their words do.

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