The Jeep wave is part of what makes “Jeep” more than just a brand; rather, it’s a bustling community of vehicle owners who share a unique kinship. There’s camaraderie among Jeep drivers, which the “Jeep wave” signifies. This wave has been the sign of an unspoken bond across America for decades, but where did it originate from? We were curious ourselves, which is why we put together this a brief history of the Jeep wave.
How To Perform a Proper Jeep Wave
First, let’s lay out the correct way to give a Jeep wave. There are many variations, but the classic Jeep wave is to raise your index finger, middle finger, and thumb slightly upward from the steering wheel. Only give the Jeep wave to a fellow Jeep owner, and remember that not returning a Jeep wave could offend your fellow driver. Not knowing about the Jeep wave shows that you’re a novice in the Jeep community. Now that you know how to perform the Jeep wave, let’s look at where it originated.
Diving Into the History of the Jeep Wave
The Jeep wave’s origins date back to World War II. Around 1940, auto manufacturers were tasked with designing an all-purpose vehicle for the US Army. They needed a vehicle that was durable, adaptable, and lightweight. Many auto manufacturers presented their prototypes, but none were quite right until Willys-Overland and the Ford Motor Company presented their design for a US Army Jeep. Thus, the iconic vehicle was finally born.
But where did the wave come from initially? Soldiers began using the Jeep wave to acknowledge one another. It was also a way to salute a high-ranking officer without drawing too much attention. The wave represented respect, camaraderie, and a shared love of Jeeps.
The Civilian Jeep
Shortly after the conclusion of World War II in 1945, Willys would release the first civilian Jeep. For the first time, Americans could enjoy cutting-edge off-road capabilities. Not only that, but the Civilian Jeep was a favorite amongst returning soldiers. They were already familiar with the way Jeeps handled, and they loved them.
Since a lot of former soldiers were driving Jeeps as civilians, the Jeep wave made its way into society. It soon became a tradition for all Jeep owners to give each other the wave. It stuck like glue, and the practice is still around today. If you’re a proud Jeep owner, then you’d better perfect your Jeep wave. Also, there are many other Jeep terms you should know about in order to be a full member of the community.
This concludes our brief history of the Jeep wave. Remember—only wave to other Jeep owners, and never snub someone giving you a Jeep wave.
