Are you curious about how to express the feeling of being disgusted in American Sign Language (ASL)? In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to convey this emotion using ASL signs. We’ll also provide you with helpful tips, examples, and regional variations to ensure you have a well-rounded understanding. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Express Disgust in ASL
When signing formally, it is crucial to use language that is clear and appropriate for formal settings. Here are a few ASL signs to convey the feeling of being disgusted:
- Gross: This sign is made by extending your non-dominant hand, palm facing up, and using your dominant hand to flick or brush your index or middle finger across the palm of your non-dominant hand. The motion should mimic the gesture of brushing away something dirty or repulsive.
- Yuck: To sign “yuck,” you start with both of your open hands down by your sides. Then, quickly and forcefully bring both of your hands up towards your chest, curling your fingers in as if to express distaste or throwing something away that you find disgusting.
- Disgust: Position both of your open hands near your chin with your palms facing inward. Then, move your hands outward, keeping your fingers spread apart. This sign represents the feeling of being repulsed or revolted by something.
Informal Ways to Convey Disgust in ASL
If you’re in a more relaxed setting or engaged in casual conversation, you may want to use some informal signs to convey your feeling of disgust. Here are a few informal ASL signs to express disgust:
- Grossed Out: While signing “grossed out,” extend your non-dominant hand, palm facing up. Use your dominant hand’s index finger to make a squiggly motion on your non-dominant hand’s palm, indicating that something is repulsive or gross.
- Ugh: To convey “ugh,” make a fist using your dominant hand and bring it up to your chest. As you do so, scrunch up your face in an exaggerated expression of disgust. This sign is perfect for casual conversations among friends or family members.
- That’s Nasty: For this sign, start with both hands in a loose “5” handshape, palms facing in. Then, twist both hands outward, extending your fingers to form an “X” handshape, while simultaneously cringing your face to convey the feeling of utter disgust.
Regional Variations in ASL
It’s important to note that ASL can have some regional variations. While these variations may not be specific to expressing disgust, it’s interesting to understand the diversity within the ASL community. Here are a few examples of possible regional variations:
- In some regions, the “gross” sign may have a different handshape, using a “B” handshape instead of the index or middle finger flicking across the palm.
- The sign for “yuck” may involve bringing both hands up towards your mouth instead of your chest in certain areas.
- Some regions may have unique signs that are widely understood within their local Deaf community but are not commonly used in other regions to express disgust.
Tip: Remember that ASL is a visual language, so express your emotions with facial expressions, body language, and appropriate signs to better convey the intensity of your feeling of disgust.
Now that you’ve learned some formal and informal ways to express disgust in ASL, let’s practice with a few example sentences:
- Formal Example: I was disgusted by the slimy texture of that food.
- Informal Example: That smell is so bad, it makes me feel grossed out!
Remember, using appropriate facial expressions and body language along with the signs will greatly enhance your communication and make your message more impactful.
As with any language, practice is key! Regularly engage with the ASL community, watch videos, and take classes to improve your signing skills and understanding of ASL expressions.
To recap, in this guide, we explored different ways to say “disgusted” in ASL, both formally and informally. We also discussed regional variations and provided various tips, examples, and important considerations. Remember to always consider the context and your audience when choosing the appropriate sign to convey your feeling of disgust. Happy signing!
