# Using the secret handshake/distress signal **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 15, 2015, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708 "2015-10-15T08:50:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/1 "2015-10-15T08:50:40Z")
Okay, I’m not asking anyone to tell me the secret handshake or the distress signal, okay? But I have been in a couple of fraternal type organizations where part of the initiation was learning these signals. A secret handshake AND a distress signal that could be used to align you with other members, only secretly. I know other organizations have them. The Masons, for instance. So my question is for those of you who know these things–has anybody ever signaled you with the secret handshake or the distress signal? Have you seen it out in the wild? If so please explain. Like, did it work? Because frankly it would never occur to me, particularly in distress, to think, “Hm, maybe one of my ‘sisters’ is out there and will come to my aid, if only I send out the distress signal!” And I have no clue how the secret handshake would come up, either, except at a meeting of the people who invented that handshake. And in that case, what would be the point? To recognize each other? But we already know! ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 9:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/2 "2015-10-15T09:40:11Z")
I remember a thread here from a long time ago about the Masons and stuff. One post told a story of a guy who needed an illegal favor from a policeman (Something to do with a car; maybe the police had towed it and he needed it back, or something like that). While talking to the cop and not succeeding , the guy tried his last trick: he made the secret Mason sign with his hands. Then the cop suddenly changed his attitude; he responded with the secret signal-- and gave the guy his car back, for free. It’s the kind of story I normally wouldn’t believe, but I remember it because I read it here on the Dope, and thought “gosh, it must be true” 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/les_espaces_du_sommeil/32/308_2.png) [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Les_Espaces_Du_Sommeil)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/3 "2015-10-15T10:42:53Z")
I knew a man who was rumoured to be a Mason. Supposedly, there was indeed a secret signal that he made when greeting you. I remember that he insisted on hugging everyone when they met and I did find it odd at the time but I don’t know whether it was a secret sign or just a weird personal quirk. ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/4 "2015-10-15T10:53:35Z")
[Rinehart!](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rinehart_(Harvard)) > [@](#): > > Various legends grew up around the call; for instance, a Harvard man in Africa who was about to be kidnapped by some Arabs supposedly screamed “Rinehart!” and was rescued because there happened to be another Harvard man nearby in the French Foreign Legion ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/5 "2015-10-15T12:20:50Z")
It’s been suggested that Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism (and a Mason) was starting to give the Masonic signal for assistance when he was trying to escape Carthage jail, and was shot before he could even finish. See here, for instance: > [@](#): > > 2.Smith’s last words were, “Oh Lord my God.” Standing alone these words do not mean much, but Mormon historian Reed C. Durham notes on page 28 of the booklet No Help for the Widow’s Son that Smith, with hands raised, was actually attempting to give the “Masonic distress call to fraternal Masons who were present in the mob.” His call for help went unheeded, and Smith was shot at the jail window, unable to complete the words, “is there no help for the widow’s son.” [http://www.mrm.org/death-of-joseph-smith](http://www.mrm.org/death-of-joseph-smith) I observe that this is from a Mormon website, citing a Mormon historian, so it’s not as if anyone is suggesting any sort of coverup. ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/6 "2015-10-15T14:46:26Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > It’s been suggested that Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism (and a Mason) was starting to give the Masonic signal for assistance when he was trying to escape Carthage jail, and was shot before he could even finish. > > See here, for instance: > > [Final Moments at Carthage Jail and the Death of Joseph Smith – Mormonism Research Ministry](http://www.mrm.org/death-of-joseph-smith) > > I observe that this is from a Mormon website, citing a Mormon historian, so it’s not as if anyone is suggesting any sort of coverup. As a note, that is actually an anti-Mormon site, but [FAIR](http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Martyrdom/Masonic_cry_of_distress), a Mormon apologetic organization also confirms the story with quotes from Smith’s contemporaries stating that he had given the Masonic call for distress. There should have been a number of Masons among the mob, but he was shot before he had time to finish the sentence. The disadvantage of a long secret code, I suppose. Mormons believe that the secret handshakes taught in their temples and patterned after the original Masonic ones will be required to enter the highest level of heaven. The angels guarding the way will require that people provide these signs. One does wonder if there shouldn’t be a more effective method, as a 10 second google now gives away the keys to heaven. You have to presume that there are better safeguards, and if so then why did we spend all that time memorizing them? ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/7 "2015-10-15T15:41:00Z")
> [@TokyoBayer](#): > > As a note, that is actually an anti-Mormon site, but [FAIR](http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Martyrdom/Masonic_cry_of_distress), a Mormon apologetic organization also confirms the story with quotes from Smith’s contemporaries stating that he had given the Masonic call for distress. There should have been a number of Masons among the mob, but he was shot before he had time to finish the sentence. The disadvantage of a long secret code, I suppose. > > Mormons believe that the secret handshakes taught in their temples and patterned after the original Masonic ones will be required to enter the highest level of heaven. The angels guarding the way will require that people provide these signs. > > One does wonder if there shouldn’t be a more effective method, as a 10 second google now gives away the keys to heaven. You have to presume that there are better safeguards, and if so then why did we spend all that time memorizing them? I knew the story, but was looking for an on-line reference. Sorry if I got it wrong-- at a quick look, the site appeared to be Mormon. But they certainly did cite a Mormon historian, in any case, so the site’s prejudices aren’t relevant. ---
**Author:** ![xizor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xizor/32/102_2.png) [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/8 "2015-10-15T15:42:54Z")
I went to an event where I met many new people and had my hand shaken with pressure applied to specific points in my hand by the other person’s fingers during the hand shake. Most would not notice such a minor thing in a handshake but after the 5th or 6th guy did the exact same thing, I took notice. I did some googling later and found it was a secret handshake for a fraternal organization to identify each other. ---
**Author:** ![Bonaventure](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c57346/32.png) [@Bonaventure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bonaventure)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/9 "2015-10-15T18:00:12Z")
I was informed that tickling the palm of the other person during a handshake with the index or middle finger was the secret code for “Let’s fuck!”. As for the OP, why would a person in distress be shaking hands with strangers? It seems giving a Masonic grip would be of limited utility except in dinner party emergency situations. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/10 "2015-10-15T19:19:28Z")
> [@Bonaventure](#): > > I was informed that tickling the palm of the other person during a handshake with the index or middle finger was the secret code for “Let’s fuck!”. > > As for the OP, why would a person in distress be shaking hands with strangers? It seems giving a Masonic grip would be of limited utility except in dinner party emergency situations. The Masonic distress signal wasn’t a handshake - it was an arm signal accompanied by a (too long, apparently) spoken phrase. ---
**Author:** ![skdo23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@skdo23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skdo23)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/11 "2015-10-15T20:11:14Z")
> [@Bonaventure](#): > > As for the OP, why would a person in distress be shaking hands with strangers? It seems giving a Masonic grip would be of limited utility except in dinner party emergency situations. Also, Masons do not use the handshake to greet each other, only to prove their membership when challenged in certain (ceremonial) situations. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/12 "2015-10-16T03:38:54Z")
> [@TokyoBayer](#): > > Mormons believe that the secret handshakes taught in their temples and patterned after the original Masonic ones will be required to enter the highest level of heaven. The angels guarding the way will require that people provide these signs. > > One does wonder if there shouldn’t be a more effective method, as a 10 second google now gives away the keys to heaven. You have to presume that there are better safeguards, and if so then why did we spend all that time memorizing them? The Mormons didn’t have modern soul-encryption algorithms back in the day. The secret handshake was a reasonably secure key to heaven in those days since they didn’t have Google either. Today, Mormons encrypt their souls with their private 9,223,372,036,854,775,808-bit keys, while each member’s 9,223,372,036,854,775,808-bit public key is recorded in the guardian angels’ big book upon the member’s baptism. ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 8:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/13 "2015-10-16T08:59:08Z")
> [@Bonaventure](#): > > I was informed that tickling the palm of the other person during a handshake with the index or middle finger was the secret code for “Let’s fuck!”. > > As for the OP, why would a person in distress be shaking hands with strangers? It seems giving a Masonic grip would be of limited utility except in dinner party emergency situations. No, there is (1) a secret handshake, and (2) a secret distress signal. I’m just saying, I don’t really see the utility of either one. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/14 "2015-10-16T14:23:40Z")
In the film _The Man Who Would be King_ (They’re bloody Masons!) a phrase about the Widow’s son is mentioned. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/15 "2015-10-16T14:55:16Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > In the film _The Man Who Would be King_ (They’re bloody Masons!) a phrase about the Widow’s son is mentioned. In both John Huston’s film and the Rudyard Kipling story it’s based on, Danny and Peachy find – to their fortune and delight – that Alexander the Great had penetrated into Kafiristan AND had been a Mason, so their use of Masonic symbols and signs makes them elevated persons, and Danny practically a god. In both novella and movie, the narrator (explicitly identified as Kipling in the film) is a Mason, too. It’s an interesting and fun story, but most non-Masons wouldn’t put the origin of Masonry much before the 18th century\*. Even if it had existed as far back as Alexander (not to mention Tubal Cain), it would be hard to believe that the symbols and rites hadn’t significantly changed over time. \*I have to admit, I’ve toyed with the idea of making Wat Tyler and the other leaders of the Peasant’s revolt Masons – it would explain an awful lot. But, despite some people’s efforts, there’s no evidence for such an idea. ---
**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/16 "2015-10-16T18:52:46Z")
I have informed my friends and family that if I’m ever seen drinking a Bud Light Lime, it’s a sign that I have been kidnapped and in need of rescue. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/17 "2015-10-16T19:09:50Z")
> [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](#): > > And I have no clue how the secret handshake would come up, either, except at a meeting of the people who invented that handshake. And in that case, what would be the point? To recognize each other? But we already know! I was in a college fraternity and this is true. We have a secret handshake but you don’t go using it on everyone you meet just to see if they give it back, because that wouldn’t be very secret, would it? We only use it at fraternity functions where you already know. The secret handshake, and all the other bullshit, is just the grown-up equivalent of G.R.O.S.S. It makes you feel more of a bond to the other members when you share a secret, no matter how trivial or meaningless that secret is. I have never heard of a secret distress signal. Seems like screaming “Help!” would be more effective. ---
**Author:** ![Claverhouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/13edae/32.png) [@Claverhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claverhouse)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/18 "2015-10-16T19:10:14Z")
> [@TokyoBayer](#): > > Mormons believe that the secret handshakes taught in their temples and patterned after the original Masonic ones will be required to enter the highest level of heaven. The angels guarding the way will require that people provide these signs. Angel One: “_What the hell are you **doing**? Keep your hands away from me you sick little fuck._” > [@](#): > > One does wonder if there shouldn’t be a more effective method, as a 10 second google now gives away the keys to heaven. You have to presume that there are better safeguards, and if so then why did we spend all that time memorizing them? For all these mystic signs, mason and other, everywhere, substituting the polite request, "_Can you help me please ?"_ seems sufficient. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/19 "2015-10-16T19:15:54Z")
> [@CookingWithGas](#): > > I have never heard of a secret distress signal. Seems like screaming “Help!” would be more effective. I think that the deal is that would be help doesn’t give a damn about you unless you are a fellow member. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708/20 "2015-10-16T19:22:41Z")
There’s a secret handshake I use to get better service from a maître d. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-secret-handshake-distress-signal/734708.md?page=2)