What is Parade Wave?
1.
A slight hand gesture used to wave for prolonged periods of time (like during a parade)or as a casual non-verbal greeting to friends. With the arm bent at the elbow, the waver turns their wrist back and forth exposing the front and then the back of the hand in a single motion.
I didn't feel like talking so I gave her a quick parade wave as I walked by.
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2.
Oscillation of the hand from the wrist with minimal input from the elbow or shoulder. Popularised by the British Royal Family.
Often to be seen from the back of landaus and throught the glass of armoured limousines as royals waft past.
Unpopular with American presidents who seem to prefer a more grandstanding straight up from the shoulder type vigorous waggling of the whole arm. But then, they only have to do it for 8 years, not a lifetime.
There goes the Queen Mum, giving the crowd her elegant little parade wave.
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3.
"Elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist, touch your pearls and blow a kiss"
Miss Teen Bumpkin, not quite a natural in the beauty queen pageant, repeated to herself "Elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist, touch your pearls and blow a kiss" to remind herself of the proper parade wave. Her fans on the side of the street wondered what she was saying, as she had not yet mastered being able to speak without moving her lips.
4.
also known as the 'miss america wave', and sometimes as the 'royal wave'
the beauty contestant gave her best miss america wave for the crowd, also known as the parade wave
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