How to Say Dislike in ASL: A Comprehensive Guide with Tips and Examples

When communicating in American Sign Language (ASL), it is important to have a wide vocabulary to express your feelings and opinions. One common word that many people want to know how to say in ASL is “dislike.” In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express dislike in ASL, as well as provide some tips and examples to help you navigate this language with ease.

Formal Ways to Say Dislike in ASL

When you want to express dislike in a formal setting, such as during a presentation or in a professional setting, you can use signs that are more universally understood among ASL users. Here are a few formal ways to express dislike in ASL:

1. 1. Disapprove: To sign “disapprove,” use your dominant hand to make a thumbs-down gesture, then bring your thumb down and across your body.
2. 2. Reject: The sign for “reject” involves extending your dominant hand in a “5” handshape and pushing it away from your body in a repeated motion.
3. 3. Strongly dislike: For a stronger emphasis on dislike, you can combine the signs for “strong” and “disapprove.” To sign “strong,” make a strong fist with your dominant hand. Then, proceed to sign “disapprove” using the thumbs-down gesture as mentioned earlier.

TIP: When using formal signs for dislike, it is important to maintain appropriate body language and facial expressions to convey your message clearly. Remember to keep your signs crisp and well-defined.

Informal Ways to Say Dislike in ASL

In informal settings, such as when conversing with friends or family, ASL users often employ signs that are more colloquial and may vary among different regions or communities. Here are a few examples of informal ways to say dislike in ASL:

1. 1. Hate: To express “hate” in ASL, you can twist your dominant hand outward from your chest while maintaining a strong facial expression. Some variations of this sign involve using a closed fist and shaking it back and forth vigorously.
2. 2. Gross: The sign for “gross” involves scrunching up your nose and twisting your hand away from your face, as if to push away an unpleasant smell.
3. 3. Ugh: This informal sign for “ugh” is often used to convey a general sense of displeasure. Simply hold your dominant hand in a “flat O” handshape and move it away from your body in a straight line while simultaneously shaking your head in disapproval.

Regional Variations in ASL

While ASL possesses a core vocabulary that is widely used across the United States, there are slight regional variations. These variations can influence how some signs, including those for dislike, are expressed. It is important to note that ASL is a living language, and these regional variations should be embraced as part of the rich cultural diversity within the Deaf community. When learning ASL, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the specific regional variations used in your area, as they may differ from what is taught in textbooks or online resources.

Putting It All Together: Examples

To further illustrate how to say dislike in ASL, here are a few examples:

1. Example 1: You might use the formal sign for “disapprove” in a professional setting, such as when expressing your disagreement with a proposed business strategy.
2. Example 2: In an informal setting, such as a casual conversation with friends, you could use the sign for “gross” when discussing something you find unpleasant or distasteful.
3. Example 3: When expressing your deep dislike or hatred for something or someone, you might use the informal sign for “hate” combined with a strong facial expression to convey the intensity of your emotions.

Remember, ASL is not solely about the signs themselves, but also about appropriate body language, facial expressions, and context. Practice and exposure to various signing styles, whether through online tutorials, classes, or interaction with members of the Deaf community, will enhance your understanding and fluency in ASL.