[[quoteright:320:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Manhug_1037.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:320:Let none say that RealMenHateAffection.]]

->''"That is '''SO SWEET''' man, how about a bro hug bump?"''
-->-- ''SweetBroAndHellaJeff''

Nowadays, in the western world, particularly in the United States, [[RealMenHateAffection displays of affection between men are discouraged]], on the theory that they are too "girly", [[AmbiguouslyGay or indicative of homosexuality]]. A congratulatory clap on the shoulder or back? Fine. Hugging and kissing? Not so much.

Therefore, when two men hug, it usually indicates that they are [[HeterosexualLifePartners close friends]], brothers ([[ThickerThanWater in blood]] or [[BloodBrothers in spirit]]) or [[FireForgedFriends trusted comrades-in-arms]]. This is the Man Hug, also known as Dapping Up.

Usually accompanied by a mutual clap on the back or shoulder[[hottip:*:(The general rule seems to be the more physical pain you inflict, the more affection is communicated. Expect the occasional clenched-fist-pat, or pound.)]], the Man Hug is a show of deep trust and close friendship between two men that cannot be broken easily. It may be a show of comfort, a wordless offer of good luck, or even a gesture of greeting. It is often combined with a handshake, so that two men approach, shake hands, throw the free arm around their partner, briefly bump chests, and separate without any further fanfare. However, this can be part of a more elaborate ritual (see the ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid'' example, below). Basically this hug says, "Yeah I'm hugging you, but I'm also hitting you." as a way to save face.

On a side note, when you have someone who doesn't follow this trope (usually the [[SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan Sensitive Guy]]), he'll usually rush into a low hug, head about belly-button level, and cling like a limpet with the other guy standing stock still and sometimes slowly lowering a hand in a pat-pause-pat rhythm.

Related to AirHugging. May be a sign that two characters are HeterosexualLifePartners. [[EmotionalBruiser Men who aren't afraid to hug]] also don't tend to be afraid to shed ManlyTears. Subtrope of HandshakeSubstitute.

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!! Examples:

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder: Anime ]]

* [[LargeHam ALEXANDER]] [[NoInDoorVoice LOUIS]] [[TheBigGuy ARMSTRONG]], of ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'', being the EmotionalBruiser that he is, doesn't settle with "Pat on the Back hug." No, he goes for a full-on BearHug.
* ''TigerAndBunny'''s Wild Tiger is [[http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc402/sparkysharps/brohug.gif not afraid to give his bros hugs]].
* ''Manga/SoulEater'''s bro hug between Black Star and Soul. While the hug itself could pass as completely heterosexual, their choice of words before the hug made it look less so.
* For all it's machismo, ''SlamDunk'' has quite a lot of hugging, particularly after an impressive game.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Comic Book ]]

* While ''SinCity'' is usually RatedMForManly, we have at least one notable example of this trope. When Wallace, the OneManArmy, meets up with a former military buddy to kick a little bad guy arse, he is greeted by a bear hug from the EmotionalBruiser. He mentions that his ribs almost break.
* Averted in one {{Zits}} strip, where Jeremy and Hector stop just short of one, recognizing that it's a lot less awkward on TV. By mutual agreement they will NeverSpeakOfThisAgain.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Fan Works ]]

* In ''Fanfic/TheOnlyFamilyWeHave'', Pyro gives Scout a bear hug that ''lifts Scout off the ground''.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Film ]]

* In ''BillAndTedsExcellentAdventure'', Bill and Ted hug each other in relief after a close brush with death in the Middle Ages -- and then [[AccidentalHug pull away]], both blurting, "Fag!"
* At the end of ''Film/KangarooJack'', Charlie and Louis hug, resulting in the following quote (first line paraphrased):
--> '''Jessie:''' C'mon guys, the chopper's leaving! \\
'''Louis:''' Just a minute, we're having a very intimate, non-gay moment.
* In the movie ''{{Houseguest}}'', Sinbad poses as a family friend of an affluent family. When he meets Phil Hartman's character at the airport, he quickly finds himself the awkward recipient of the Waist Hug Limpet Cling.
* An incredibly awkward example between Kirk and David in ''[[Film/StarTrekIITheWrathOfKhan The Wrath of Khan]]''.
* Subverted in ''BrokebackMountain'' (of course). After seeing each other for the first time in four years, Jack and Ennis share a platonic, rugged "man hug". But when they pull away, their faces linger just a leeeeeeetle too close to each other. Ennis looks around to make sure they are not being watched... then pushes Jack up against a wall and they proceed to [[CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming make out like the world is ending.]]
* In ''FromDuskTillDawn'', Seth Gecko gives his brother Richard one of these after reading him the riot act for raping and killing their hostage, but while assuring him that [[BlatantLies everything will be fine once they get to Mexico]].
* Deliberately subverted in ''Film/GroundhogDay'', where Phil, after meeting that one annoying guy for the umpteenth consecutive loop, decides that the best way to get rid of him is with a full-on embrace, held for wayyyyy too long for maximum awkwardness.
* In ''Film/{{Blade}}'', the title character exchanges a brotherly hug with a contact who supplies him with his garlic extract.
* Frodo and Sam share a big, tearful hug in ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' after Sam risks drowning to accompany Frodo to Mordor. Other examples from the trilogy are Gimli and Aragorn when the latter turns up alive at Helm's Deep, and Boromir and Faramir in a flashback following the recapture of Osgiliath.
* And from ''Film/TheHobbit: An Unexpected Journey'' we have Thorin hugging a surprised Bilbo, after [[ArsonMurderAndLifesaving he rebukes the hobbit]] for [[spoiler: facing down Azog and a pack of wargs to prevent Thorin being decapitated.]]
-->'''Thorin''': I have never been so wrong in all my life.
** Gandalf and Elrond share a brief embrace when they meet again at Rivendell. Dwalin and Balin are shown hugging and wearily butting heads in a flashback to Azanulbizar, happy to see each other alive.
* The first ''Film/{{Back To The Future}}'' movie, after Doc Brown assures Marty that everything will be alright, he rushes upon him with a hug that left the Doc wondering how much it actually meant for him.
* In ''[[Film/FortyTwo 42]]'', Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey gives one to Jackie Robinson after the latter suffers a HeroicBSOD.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Literature ]]

* Alex Cross and his childhood friend Samson frequently exchange these as greetings in the novels by James Patterson.
* Sirius and Lupin in ''HarryPotterAndThePrisonerOfAzkaban''.
** Harry and Ron (and later Dean and Seamus) in ''HarryPotterAndTheDeathlyHallows''.
* Lampshaded in the ChroniclesOfNarnia, when the narrator explains that since Peter is King, it isn't girly of him to be hugging his men. Or talking animals.
** He doesn't just hug them, he ''kisses'' them as well. (Though probably not on the lips.) Specifically, in the scene in Prince Caspian when Peter and Edmund arrive, Peter kisses the badger on the head in (gratitude? reward? greeting?) some kind of affection, because the badgers never wavered in their belief that Old Narnia would return to power.
* In JoelRosenberg's ''GuardiansOfTheFlame'' on one return of Karl's, Walter takes a minute to hug him, which has no cultural hang-ups in the medievaloid culture they are now in.
* In GrahamMcNeill's TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}} Literature/{{Ultramarines}} book ''The Killing Ground'', Uriel and Pasanius embrace when they are reunited after the first two test by the Grey Knights -- just before Leodagarius comments on Pasanius's loyalty and Uriel describes it as [[PowerOfFriendship friendship]].
* In JohnCWright's ''[[Literature/TheGoldenOecumene The Golden Transcedence]]'', when Helion and Phaethon reconcile, Helion offers him a legal document for the transactions he made by way of apology. Phaethon knocks it aside to embrace him. Rather later, after some TearsOfJoy, the document gets handed over, rather bedraggled.
* In L. Jagi Lamplighter's ''[[ProsperosDaughter Prospero Regained]]'', Mephisto jumps to embraces [[spoiler:Astreus after he regains his wings, somewhat surprising Astreus]].

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Live-Action TV ]]

* Pretty much standard in ''FullHouse''. With all the hugging that goes on in that show, some of those guys have to be walking around with [[AddedAlliterativeAppeal black and blue busted, bruised backs]].
* ''Series/{{Heroes}}'': Nathan and Peter Petrelli always, always do this when they meet (except in more angsty moments).
* In the Season 2 Finale of ''{{Chuck}}'', Chuck goes in for a man-hug with Casey, telling him that "See? Guys can hug too." Casey is less enthused.
** And in the ''Series'' Finale they share another one, [[spoiler: this time ''initiated'' by Casey]].
* [[HerculesTheLegendaryJourneys Hercules]] did this a lot, as did Iolaus.
* Chandler and Joey from ''{{Friends}}'' tend to make a big show of awkwardness around these, but it comes up often enough to be lampshaded in a ClipShow episode.
** In the finale, when they're having a moment, Chandler asks: "So, awkward hug or lame cool guy handshake?" Joey picks the handshake, but after they hug anyway.
* Barney, Marshall and Ted have quite a few of these on ''Series/HowIMetYourMother''.
* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'' often does this with brothers Sam and Dean in CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming.
** Also done by Cupids as their handshake. [[CrowningMomentOfFunny Cupids are full grown, naked men by the way.]]
* Clark Kent and Lex Luthor share several of these throughout the earlier seasons of ''{{Smallville}}''. Most, if not all, make for wonderful CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming scenes.
* ''TheTodayShow'' had Creator/JeremyRenner and Anthony Mackie from ''TheHurtLocker'' as guests when the 2010 Academy Award nominees were announced. When Renner's nomination for Best Actor was given, there was a cut to Renner and Mackie hugging each other.
* Chase does this to ''Series/{{House}}'' after [[spoiler:he finds out his boss has cancer]], resulting in a very embarrassed House and a CrowningMomentOfFunny.
* In the first episode of the sixth season of ''HogansHeroes'', [[SupremeChef LeBeau]] is all set to [[LikeYouWouldReallyDoIt leave Stalag 13 for good]] and says his goodbyes. He shakes Hogan's hand, kisses Carter and Baker on both cheeks (very much a case of RealMenWearPink), and then draws Newkirk into a hug. [[SubvertedTrope He still kisses him too afterwards]].
* Tony gives Gibbs a very quick "Yay, you're not dead!" ManHug in the first episode of the fourth season of ''{{NCIS}}''. Gibbs just stand there, though. Too manly at the moment even to slap a back.
* In a second-season episode of ''HomeImprovement'', Tim talks about the ManHug in a ''[[ShowWithinAShow Tool Time]]'' segment, and tells his guests that he's secure enough as a man to dare hug other men as a token of appreciation. The hug issue is very quickly dropped when Al remarks: "You know, Tim, in Europe, men kiss each other on both cheeks."
* ''Series/{{Merlin}}'' goes in for a hug with his HeterosexualLifePartner Arthur but is quickly stopped by him.
** But played straight with Merlin and Gwaine in 3x08.
** It continues in 4x02 after [[spoiler: Merlin comes back alive and well after the Dorocha attack]], everyone proceeded to ManHug Merlin. But again, subverted with Arthur who just smiles, pats him on the back and pulls him to the fire where everyone else is.
** The two finally hug in 4x06. Notable in that it's ARTHUR who initiates the man hug.
* ''Series/ThirtyRock'' - Jack is dismayed to find his new boss is a big proponent of the man-hug, and they need to last ten seconds.
* Averted on ''TheWestWing'':
-->'''JOSH''': I apologize.
-->'''LEO''' [shrugs]: Your apology's accepted.
-->[Josh moves in for a hug.]
-->'''LEO''': What are you doing?!?
-->'''JOSH''': It looked like you wanted to hug me.
-->'''LEO''': Oh, MAN, did you read that wrong.
* In ''Series/{{Lost}}'' when Jack returns alive after being captured by the Others, he and Sawyer do the handshake followed by a pat on the back version.
** Actually Lost loves this trope, when ever a male character returns from the jungle he is greeted with either a man hug from someone in the crew (Hurley is pretty dependable for this, but it could any guy) or a ReunionKiss from their sweety.
* ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'':
** In the episode "Tabula Rasa" all the main characters lose their memories; Giles and Spike conclude that they're father and son. They still have their antipathy for each other, but as they part ways, Giles initiates the most tentative, awkward man hug ever recorded.
** Lampshaded in season 4's "The Freshman" when Xander returns from him travels and hugs Willow and Kathy but hesitates at Oz.
---> '''Xander''': Do we hug?
---> '''Oz''': I think we're too manly.
* ''BoyMeetsWorld'' had a quite a few of these between HeterosexualLifePartners Cory & Shawn and Jack & Eric and between brothers Cory & Eric and Shawn & Jack. In one episode Cory and Shawn engage in a longer, more amorous hug than usual after they reconcile their friendship which prompts Topanga to say, "Stop it! You're boys!".
* Deconstructed on the ''WillAndGrace'' episode "A Chorus Lie." When Jack tries to "in" Matt Damon (expose him as a straight man pretending to be gay), they hug and Jack points out the straight-guy no hip contact hug, which Matt (Owen) counters with a description of feeling Jack's pecs.
* Series/StarskyAndHutch tend to do this every now and then.
* ''Series/{{The X-Files}}'': Whenever Mulder returned from the apparent death, Frohike would hug him. In "Three Words" he squeezes him very tightly and for a long time. Mulder hugs him back and then he jokes about it.
-->'''Mulder''': Melvin, I'd be a whole lot happier to see you if you'd just take your hands off my ass.
* At the end of ''Series/{{Criminal Minds}}'' season two episode "Revelations", Reid gives Hotch a hug. It's a heartwarming moment considering what happened in the episode, though Hotch has a surprised look on his face. The male cast of Criminal Minds actually tends to be pretty physically affectionate, at least for American TV. When you chase down serial killers all day, I guess you don't have much to prove.
* During the last episode of ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'', a wordless man hug is the only goodbye that Julian Bashir and Miles O'Brien can manage.
* ''Series/HoratioHornblower'', "Retribution": Horatio hugs Archie Kennedy, his fellow lieutenant and closest friend after he finds out that Archie was hiding from him that he was shot during a battle. Horatio's very shaken because it's actually [[spoiler:a Mortal Wound Reveal]]. Showing affection among men wasn't uncommon during Regency period and in WoodenShipsAndIronMen genre.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: MMORP Gs ]]

* In the Pit of Saron dungeon in ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' the rescued prisoners can remark, "You deserve a mighty man hug."

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[[folder: Professional Wrestling ]]

* Tag-team partners do this all the damn time after particularly hard-fought matches.
* The [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Kliq#Curtain_Call:_The_MSG_Incident Curtain Call Incident]] for TheKliq. Then again, that's hardly the only incidence - those guys are ''always'' hugging.
* Whenever a long-tenured wrestler retires, due to injury or otherwise, there tends to be a lot of these going around. RicFlair, ShawnMichaels and Wrestling/{{Edge}} all provided examples of this when they retired.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Theatre ]]

* [[{{RENT}} Roger and Mark]] at the end of ''"What You Own"''. (Lots of subtext throughout the show/movie.)

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Video Games ]]

* In ''MetalGearSolid2'', Snake gives one of these to Otacon at the end of a seven-step Cool Handshake, shortly after [[spoiler: Otacon's sister Emma dies]] and before the latter goes to rescue a number of hostages from the Big Shell.
* In ''{{Persona 4}}'' the MC can give one (of the arms-around-the-waist variety) to Yosuke if he chooses the right choice in an earlier scene. Amidst his crying, Yosuke questions the manliness of the hug, saying, "You dumbass... that's for girls..."
** Of course, there is only [[GoingThroughTheMotions one hug animation]] for the MC.
* In ''JakII'', Daxter gets drunk and gives his [[HeterosexualLifePartners Heterosexual Life Partner]] Jak a hug while slurring "I love you, man!" Jak looks less touched by the display of affection and more disturbed by it.
* ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoSanAndreas'': "What, no homie love? No hug?"
* In ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedII'', Ezio can give his BFF [[LeonardoDaVinci Leonardo]] a Man Hug during a scene where he's prompted. [[VideogameCaringPotential Players have been known to go back and reload from a previous save if they miss the prompt the first time]].
** And they do it without a prompt whenever they meet in ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedBrotherhood''
* In ''VideoGame/MassEffect2,'' Jacob will give one to Shepard after his loyalty mission is completed. The same happens if Shepard is a woman. Apparently in this galaxy soldierly man-hugs are unisex.
* Cole and Zeke exchange one in the good ending of ''VideoGame/{{inFAMOUS 2}}'', just before Cole goes off to face the Beast.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Radio ]]

* In ''Radio/BleakExpectations'' a reformed [[BigBad Mr. Gently Benevolent]] notes his former nemesis looks troubled and offers "Man hug?". The protagonist declines. Repeatedly.
** Harry Biscuit takes him up on it. ''"Mmmm, nice."''

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Web Comics ]]

* ''SweetBroAndHellaJeff'' features the "bro hug bump", which is presented with [[MundaneMadeAwesome as much dramatic buildup and as many superlatives as possible]].
-->[[MemeticMutation where doing it man where MAKING THIS HAPEN]]
* ''JohnnyWander'': Do the bro hug! [[http://www.johnnywander.com/comics/172 Hug like bros!]]
* Narrowly averted in ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive'' in [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-02-14 these]] [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-02-16 two]] strips.
* In ''WebComic/RustyAndCo'', [[http://rustyandco.com/comic/level-3-17/ in gratitude]] -- followed by a threat if he ever tells.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Web Original ]]

* Lampshaded and parodied in this "How To Give the Perfect Man Hug" video by VideoJug: [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUdWApwbudQ "Give a great man to man hug to your closest friends and family without getting that awkward feeling!"]]
* ''Smosh'' has helpfully provided a [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7CMqeVYkDo Guys' Guide To Hugging Guys.]]

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Western Animation ]]

* A hilarious subversion of this is in an episode of ''JusticeLeague'' ("Savage Time: Part III") after Superman and a handful of the other Leaguers return to the present. Batman had not been with them (well, there was an alternate version of him where they went) so he is given the ManHug by Superman. To which he replies in a confused voice: "...am I missing something here?"
* The end of a very hilarious {{lampshaded}} ''HomeMovies'' scene tries this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v12F0bZkJ4E
* Speaking of Brendon Small, in the fourth season of ''{{Metalocalypse}}'', [[spoiler: the tension between Nathan and Pickles that leads to the [[TenMinuteRetirement band temporarily breaking up]] ends at the finale with Nathan finally apologizing for destroying the record and for stealing the woman Pickles was interested in, the reuniting of Dethklok, and a Man Hug between the two men.]]
-->[[spoiler: '''Nathan''': THIS IS THE MOST EMOTIONALLY BRUTAL THING I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED.]]
* ''HarveyBirdmanAttorneyAtLaw'' has the man-kiss, which is similar.
* An entire day in Smurf society is devoted to hugging among the male Smurfs in ''TheSmurfs'' episode "A Hug For Grouchy". Of course, Grouchy hates hugs and doesn't like being hug-mugged by anyone.
* TheSimpsons: Burns sends Smithers to have [[InsistentTerminology hired goons]] beat up Homer. But Smithers feels this is too harsh, especially since Burns owes his life to Homer on more than one occasion. So when giving the instructions to the goon, he teeters back and forth between letting Homer off and letting hil have, to the goon's exasperation. When he asks what Homer did, Smithers bawls out "He saved Mr. Burns' liiiife!!" and collapses sobbing on his chest, holding him tight. The confused mook looks around and does the pat-pat-pat-on-the-shoulder thing.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Other ]]

* The two men on the Seal of Kentucky appear to be doing this, symbolizing the state motto, "United we stand, divided we fall".
* Apparently, this is the customary greeting shared between male talk show hosts and male guests.

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