In American Sign Language (ASL), there are several ways to express the concept of being “broke”. Whether you’re looking for a formal or informal term, this guide will provide you with various options and examples. While regional variations exist in sign language, we will focus on the most widely used signs. So, let’s dive in and explore how to say “broke” in ASL!
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Formal Ways to Say “Broke” in ASL
When it comes to formal situations or professional settings, you might prefer using more standard and universally recognized signs. Here are a few formal ways to express the concept of being “broke” in ASL:
Poverty: To sign “poverty” in ASL, you bring the back of your hand down from your forehead to your chest. This sign emphasizes the general state of living in poverty or lacking financial resources.
Using the sign for “poverty” allows for a more specific and formal reference to being broke. It might be commonly used in academic or professional discussions revolving around socio-economic topics.
Lacking Money: Another formal sign to express being “broke” in ASL is to sign “lacking money”. Simply make a motion with your dominant hand as if you are tapping an empty pocket or holding your hand out palm-upward to indicate the absence of money.
The sign for “lacking money” is more direct and straightforward, providing a clear and formal way to convey the concept of having no money or being broke.
Informal Ways to Say “Broke” in ASL
On the other hand, in informal situations or casual conversations, you may prefer using signs that are commonly used among ASL users. These signs are less formal and include:
- No Money: With this sign, you simply move your open hand, palm facing down, across your body in a small arc. It represents the idea of having no funds or being broke.
- Broke: To sign “broke,” you bend your index finger backward and tap it against your opposite palm. This informal sign is commonly used among friends and in everyday conversations to denote lacking financial resources or being penniless.
- Empty Pockets: The sign for “empty pockets” involves holding your hands in a slightly curved shape with palms facing inward, then turning them sideways to face downward while opening and closing them, as if illustrating empty pockets.
These informal signs for being “broke” are widely used in informal contexts where a relaxed and conversational approach is preferred. They are especially common among friends or peers discussing personal financial situations.
Regional Variations
Despite ASL being a standardized language, there can be some regional variations in specific signs. However, for the concept of being “broke,” the signs mentioned above are widely recognized and used throughout the United States and other English-speaking countries.
While it’s essential to acknowledge potential regional differences, focusing on these universally accepted signs will ensure clear communication with the majority of ASL users in various regions.
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are a few additional tips and examples to help you understand and incorporate these signs:
TIP: Facial expressions and body language play a crucial role in ASL. Use appropriate facial expressions to convey the right meaning and intensity while signing “broke”. Combination signs with facial expressions enrich your communication in ASL.
For example, when signing any of the mentioned terms, such as “lacking money” or “empty pockets,” you should adopt a concerned or disappointed facial expression to convey the emotions associated with being broke.
EXAMPLE: Suppose you’re signing a story or expressing your own experience of being broke. You could say: “Last month, I had to borrow money from my friend because I was empty pockets and couldn’t pay the rent.”
While signing this example, remember to use the proper facial expression and convey the motion of revealing your empty pockets while explaining your financial situation.
TIP: Remember that ASL syntax and grammar may differ from English. Take time to learn the structure and flow of ASL sentences, as it influences how you convey the concept of being broke and other ideas.
To summarize, formal ways to say “broke” in ASL include signs like “poverty” and “lacking money,” which are more suitable for formal settings. Informal ways include signs like “no money,” “broke,” and “empty pockets,” which are commonly used in casual conversations among friends or peers. While variations may exist, these signs are widely understood in the ASL community. Remember to use appropriate facial expressions, combine signs with emotions, and consider ASL grammar for effective communication.
By utilizing this guide, you now have a strong foundation on how to say “broke” in ASL. Practice these signs, engage with the Deaf community, and continue learning about the beautiful language that is ASL!
