<P> Snapping (or clicking) one's fingers is the act of creating a snapping or clicking sound with one's fingers . Primarily this is done by building tension between the thumb and another (middle, index, or ring) finger and then moving the other finger forcefully downward so it hits the palm of the same hand at a high speed . </P> <P> In Ancient Greece snapping of fingers was used by musicians and dancers as a way to keep the rhythm and it was known with the words "ἀποληκέω" (apolekeo), "ἀποκρότημα" (apokrotema) (from the verb "ἀποκροτέω" - apokroteo, "to snap the fingers") and "ἐπίπταισμα" (epiptaisma). Finger snapping is still common in modern Greece . </P> <P> Finger snapping may be used as a substitute for hand clapping . The University of Michigan Men's Glee Club has a long tradition of doing this . The club's history states, "The reason behind this (as legend goes) is you can't clap and hold a beer (at the same time)! Another possible reason is that snapping is less disruptive than clapping during speeches and announcements ." Finger snapping at poetry readings has become traditional . </P>

Where does the sound of snapping come from