- The dance moves and use of the clipping dab originated in hip hop music. However, it was made famous by Cam Newton, and his touchdown celebration. Dab is a clipping from the metaphor dab-hand.
dab (3)
verb; clipping
A show-boat dance move. Used to gloat about being an expert in a particular activity. The move involves raising the inside of your elbow towards your head. While simultaneously nodding your head downward towards your elbow.
Etymology : Shortened from the noun dab hand, which means a person who is an expert at a particular activity. Origin is 19th century.
Source : “Did you see Cam Newton dab in the end zone?” -Conversation with Roommate
Last modified: 6 December 2016