How to Say “What the Heck” in ASL: Formal and Informal Ways

Welcome to this guide on how to say “What the heck” in ASL (American Sign Language). Expressing surprise or frustration is a common part of our daily conversations, and ASL provides a visual and expressive way to convey these emotions. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to sign “What the heck” in ASL, along with some tips, examples, and a glimpse into regional variations. So, let’s dive in and learn how to sign “What the heck” in ASL!

Formal Way to Sign “What the Heck” in ASL

When signing “What the heck” in a more formal context, it is important to be respectful and maintain appropriate signing etiquette. Here’s a formal way to sign it:

“WHAT” handshape (index finger extended, other fingers curled into a fist), bring the hand up to the side of your forehead. Then, with a furrowed brow, sign “HECK” using the “X” handshape (crossed index and middle fingers touching the thumb, other fingers extended).”

Make sure to sign with clear and deliberate movements, allowing your facial expressions to match the intended emotion. Remember, signing formally is particularly important in professional settings or when communicating with someone you don’t know well.

Informal Way to Sign “What the Heck” in ASL

In more relaxed, informal conversations, you have some leeway to adapt your signing style. Here’s an informal way to sign “What the heck” in ASL:

Start with the palm of your dominant hand facing your body. Extend your index and middle fingers, while curling your thumb. Bring your hand up to your mouth and quickly flick it outwards while opening your hand to an “open 8” shape, keeping your other fingers relaxed. Add a slightly exaggerated facial expression to emphasize surprise or frustration.

Remember, the informal way of signing “What the heck” might vary slightly between individuals, as personal signing styles can differ. However, the general concept remains the same, expressing surprise or frustration with an animated gesture.

Tips for Signing “What the Heck” in ASL

• Facial Expressions: ASL is not just about hand movements; it relies heavily on facial expressions to convey meaning and emotion. Ensure your facial expressions match the sentiment you are trying to express when signing “What the heck.”
• Pace and Intensity: Adjust the speed and intensity of your signing based on the context and your comfort level with the person you are communicating with. For close friends or family, you can be more dynamic and expressive, whereas in a professional setting, you may want to sign more calmly and deliberately.
• Practice and Fluency: Like any language, ASL requires practice to become fluent. Find opportunities to practice with others, watch videos of ASL conversations, and participate in ASL classes or workshops to refine your signing skills.

Examples of “What the Heck” in ASL

Let’s walk through a few example sentences using the signs for “What the heck” in different contexts:

1. “What the heck is going on here?” – Sign “WHAT” (hand to forehead) and “HECK” (X handshape) with an exaggerated facial expression of surprise while looking around the room.
2. “I can’t believe it! What the heck is this?” – Sign “WHAT” (hand to forehead) and “HECK” (X handshape) with an animated and frustrated facial expression, followed by pointing or gesturing towards the object of surprise or frustration.
3. “What the heck were they thinking?” – Sign “WHAT” (hand to forehead) and “HECK” (X handshape) while shaking your head disapprovingly, using a combination of surprise and frustration in your facial expression.

These examples showcase how signing “What the heck” can vary based on the intended emotion and the specific context in which it is used.

Regional Variations

ASL, like any language, can have regional variations. While the signs for “What the heck” tend to be relatively universal, there might be slight differences in the signing style or specific handshapes. If you are learning ASL for a particular region, it’s beneficial to connect with the local Deaf community or seek out resources with regional focus to understand any unique variations.

Conclusion

ASL provides a beautiful and expressive way to communicate emotions such as surprise or frustration. Whether in formal or informal contexts, understanding how to sign “What the heck” is a valuable addition to your sign language skills. Remember to maintain appropriate signing etiquette, pay attention to facial expressions, and practice regularly to improve your fluency. Now you have the tools to confidently express “What the heck” in ASL!