🤝 Pressing the Flesh: A Quirky Look at Handshakes and Political Pomp
To “press the flesh” means to shake hands, making physical contact in greeting someone. This humorous bit of American slang dates from the 1920s. It was first used, and still often is, for politicians greeting as many potential voters as possible in an effort to secure their votes.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Grip and grin: The ubiquitous political handshake with a smile.
- Glad-handing: Effusively greeting people in a social setting, often for political or business gain.
- Mingle: To move around and talk to others at a social event.
Similar Expressions
- Shake hands: To greet someone by clasping their hand.
- Meet and greet: A social event where one interacts with numerous people, often used by celebrities and politicians.
Proverbs and Quotes
- “A politician is someone who shakes your hand before an election and your confidence after.” — Anonymous
- “God gave us two hands, one to shake with and one to capture votes.” — Joke attributed to various political figures
Cultural and Literary References
- Literature: “All the King’s Men” by Robert Penn Warren showcases political life and the power of handshakes.
- Movies: “The Ides of March” (2011) involves the back-room dealings and face-to-face politics requiring plenty of handshakes.
- Songs: “Handshakes” by Metric explores themes of superficiality in social interactions, ideal for any political track.
Intriguing Factoids
- The origins of handshakes date back to ancient Greece, symbolizing peace.
- Handshakes can spread approximately as many germs as touching things with your eyes closed in a preschool room. Wash those hands, politicians!
Quizzes
### Which phrase best describes the act of eagerly greeting many people, often for personal gain?
- [x] Glad-handing
- [ ] Egg-cracking
- [ ] Palm-tapping
- [ ] Nose-rubbing
> **Explanation:** "Glad-handing" refers to the frequent and sometimes insincere greeting done by politicians or businesspersons.
### True or False: "Pressing the flesh" is an idiom used to describe politicians mingling with potential voters.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely true! “Pressing the flesh” is indeed associated with politicians shaking hands with voters.
### Which of these books features a significant number of political handshakes and machinations?
- [x] All the King's Men
- [ ] Around the World in Eighty Days
- [ ] Gone with the Wind
- [ ] The Hobbit
> **Explanation:** "All the King's Men" by Robert Penn Warren delves deep into the world of politics and the strategic handshakes within.
### What does "grip and grin" refer to?
- [ ] Wrestling hold
- [ ] Barista technique
- [x] Politicians' handshake with a smile
- [ ] Gardening practice
> **Explanation:** "Grip and grin" humorously refers to politicians shaking hands with a wide smile — a common sight in campaigns.
### Who might engage in "meet and greet" events during their careers?
- [x] Celebrities
- [x] Politicians
- [ ] Accountants
- [ ] Chess champions
> **Explanation:** Celebrities and politicians often engage in "meet and greet" events to mingle with their fans or voters.
Until our next linguistic adventure, remember: Every handshake, be it political or personal, tells a story of connection. Play on with words, press the flesh carefully, and greet the world with a smile (or a knowing wink).
Yours linguistically, P. T. Handshakenstein
