I had to look it up after you asked... I just posted the meme because it was funny...
Here is what I found out when i looked it up...
The
Jeep Wave is
a friendly, informal greeting exchanged between Jeep owners—particularly those driving Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators—when they pass each other on the road. It serves as an unspoken code of camaraderie, acknowledging a shared passion for the rugged, adventurous Jeep lifestyle.
How to Do the Wave
There is no single correct way to do it, but common styles include:
- The Steering Wheel Raise: Keeping your hand on the wheel and raising two fingers (index and middle) or four fingers.
- The Peace Sign: Flashing a clear "V for victory" or peace sign.
- The Window Wave: Extending your hand completely out of the open window or roofless cabin.
The Origins
While difficult to trace perfectly, the tradition has three prominent historical theories:
- World War II: Soldiers driving Willys MB Jeeps waved to distinguish allies from enemies or to boost morale on patrol.
- Returning Veterans: Post-war, returning veterans purchased surplus Jeeps and waved at one another to acknowledge their shared military service.
- The 1970s Off-Road Boom: As recreational off-roading grew, drivers of modified Jeeps began waving to recognize fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Informal Etiquette & Rules
- The Return Obligation: If a fellow Jeeper waves at you, it is customary to always wave back.
- The Hierarchy: Traditionally, drivers of newer or entirely stock Jeeps are supposed to initiate the wave to older, vintage, or heavily modified off-road rigs.
- Vehicle Nuance: While the wave historically belongs to Wranglers, CJ, YJ, TJ, and JK models, many enthusiasts wave back to any Jeep vehicle to keep the spirit alive.
The Commercial Program
The gesture became so iconic that the manufacturer officially adopted the name for the
Jeep Wave® Program, a premium customer loyalty package. It provides vehicle maintenance and support perks for qualifying vehicle years.