You know the one. Two massive, sweat-glistened biceps collide mid-air with a smack so loud it probably registered on a Richter scale somewhere. It’s the ultimate display of 1980s testosterone. Honestly, if you’ve spent more than five minutes on social media in the last decade, you’ve seen the Arnold Schwarzenegger dap up.
It’s iconic.
But here’s the thing: most people just call it "the meme." In reality, that legendary greeting between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers is the DNA of modern internet camaraderie. It’s officially known as the "Epic Handshake," and it’s been carrying the weight of a thousand internet jokes since 1987.
What Really Happened in That Predator Scene?
Let’s set the stage. It’s 1987. The movie is Predator. Arnold plays Dutch, a cigar-chomping commando leader. He walks into a local bar in Central America and sees his old buddy, Al Dillon (played by the late, great Carl Weathers).
Dutch yells, "Dillon! You son of a...!"
Then it happens. They don’t just shake hands. They engage in a mid-air, vertical arm-wrestle-style clasp that defies the laws of physics and shirt-sleeve integrity. It wasn't just a greeting; it was a "dap up" before we really used that term in the mainstream to describe such a high-stakes handshake.
The camera zooms in. The lighting hits those biceps perfectly. It’s pure, unadulterated machismo. It represents two rivals—or old friends—acknowledging each other’s strength. Interestingly, Carl Weathers later joked that he had to work out specifically to make sure his arms didn't look tiny next to Arnold's legendary 22-inch peaks. He held his own.
Why it became the ultimate agreement meme
Fast forward to the 2010s. The internet is looking for a way to show two totally different groups agreeing on one specific thing. Suddenly, a 2D-illustrated version of the Arnold Schwarzenegger dap up appears on Reddit and Tumblr.
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One arm is labeled "Goths."
The other arm is labeled "Preppy Kids."
The middle where they meet? "Hating the New Math Teacher."
It works because the handshake looks so incredibly intense. It suggests that the agreement isn't just a casual "yeah, sure." It’s a blood-oath, a cosmic alignment of interests.
The Anatomy of the Perfect Dap Up
What makes this specific handshake so special? Why don't we use the handshake from The Office or some corporate stock photo?
- The Angle: Most handshakes are horizontal. This one is vertical, like they’re about to start an arm-wrestling match in a dive bar.
- The Tension: You can see the veins. You can see the effort. It looks like they are trying to crush each other's fingers while smiling.
- The Sound: If you watch the clip, the smack is legendary. Sound editors in the 80s didn't do "subtle."
- The Cultural Weight: You have the most famous bodybuilder ever and a former professional football player (Weathers) locking limbs.
Basically, it’s the gold standard of the "bro-shake." It’s been referenced in everything from The Boys to Sonic the Hedgehog 2. When companies want to show a "collab," they often use this template. It has transcended being just a movie scene; it's a language.
Myths and Misconceptions
People think this was a green-screened shot or something faked. Nope. That’s all real muscle. Arnold and Carl were notoriously competitive on set. They’d wake up at 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM to hit the gym before the grueling jungle shoots began.
Another misconception? That it was always a "dap." In 1987, nobody was calling it a "dap up." It was just a "manly handshake." The term "dap up" evolved later, merging with the meme's revival. Some fans even call it the "Roman Handshake" or the "Power Clasp." Whatever you call it, the energy remains the same.
How to use the Arnold Schwarzenegger dap up today
If you're trying to communicate "mutual respect" in a text or a post, nothing beats this GIF. It is the shorthand for "we disagree on everything else, but we agree on this."
- Use it when two rival fanbases finally admit a certain movie is good.
- Use it when you and your partner finally agree on what to have for dinner.
- Use it to celebrate a successful business deal that felt like a battle.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to truly appreciate the Arnold Schwarzenegger dap up, go watch the first ten minutes of Predator. Pay attention to the lighting. Notice how the camera lingers on the biceps for just a second too long. It’s a masterclass in visual storytelling through action.
Next time you’re in a situation where you need to show solidarity, don't just send a "thumbs up." Find the "Epic Handshake" GIF. It carries way more weight. It says you’re not just agreeing; you’re locking in.
Finally, if you’re a creator, try making your own version. The "Object Labeling" format of this meme is still one of the highest-performing templates on platforms like Instagram and X. It’s simple, it’s relatable, and it’s anchored by the sheer charisma of two 80s icons.
The "dap up" isn't going anywhere. It’s been nearly 40 years, and those biceps are still doing the heavy lifting for internet culture.