Teen Slang · Social & friendship

What does “Throw hands” mean?

To fight physically, or to threaten to. 'He's ready to throw hands.'

Decoded for parents by Pouya & Hengameh, parents of two — the team behind My Teen's World.

Where “Throw hands” comes from

Long-standing slang for fighting; stayed current through hip-hop and meme culture.

Teens use it to talk about (or joke about) fighting.

Often hyperbole among friends. If it's aimed at a specific person, it's worth checking whether a real conflict is brewing.

“Say that again and we throw hands.” Heated threat to fight. Real anger or posturing tension.
“He was ready to throw hands over a parking spot.” Recapping how fast a small thing escalated. Half disbelief.