Teen dabs beside Paul Ryan as his father is being sworn into US Congress, House Speaker left clueless


Cal Marshall's dab left House Speaker Ryan absolutely confused. The Straits Times/Twitter

Just when you thought we've left the dab behind in 2016, a teenager has brought it right back, proving once again that some trends are hard to die.

At the swearing-in ceremony of the 115th Congress on Tuesday (Jan 3), Speaker of the US House of Representatives Paul Ryan took photos with the newly minted office holders and their families after the event.

In a video uploaded on C-SPAN, newly sworn-in Rep. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, was posing with one hand on a Bible and a big bright smile on his face, with Mr Ryan.

The Bible bearer, his 17-year-old son Cal, decided to sneak in a dab when the photo was going to be taken, right there in the hallowed halls of Congress.

A dab is a quick movement, where you drop your head in the bend of your arm, made popular by public figures in recent times.

Manchester United footballer Paul Pogba, basketball superstar Lebron James and even former Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, have all hopped aboard the dab train.

Cal Marshall's dab left House Speaker Ryan absolutely confused.

He asked the younger Mr Marshall, as he gently pushed his hand down, "Do you want to put your hand down?"

Clearly not having any understanding whatsoever of what a dab is, Mr Ryan also asked the teenager if he needed to sneeze.

Later on, he confirmed the confusion, posting on Twitter: "Just finished swearing-in photos. Nearly 300 members. Countless cute kids. Still don't get what dabbing is, though."

Congressman Marshall later sent out a tweet of his own, tagging Mr Ryan in it, saying that Cal has been grounded. - The Straits Times/Asia News Network

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Peru lawmakers gather support to call for debate to oust president Jeri
US, Taiwan finalise deal to cut tariffs, boost purchases of US goods
Ukraine's Zelenskiy: We have backed US peace proposals to get a deal done
China's Sun Long wins silver in men's 1,000m short track speed skating at Milan-Cortina (updated)
Australia's conservative opposition picks former energy minister Taylor as new leader
China opens women's curling campaign with victory at Milan-Cortina Games
North Korea says South Korea should take steps to prevent violation of its sovereignty
U.S. stocks close lower
Medal table at Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on February 12
EU moves to speed up single market, eyes smaller-group cooperation

Others Also Read