S Category Flashcards
S:
Index-pinky=curled.
Thumb=curled over index-pinky fingers.
Sad:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=slightly curled and separated.
Orientation: Have the palm of your hand face you and hover your hand over your face. Then move both hands slightly downward and look sad.
Notes: Since you will use this sign when actually sad, make an expression that shows you are upset as well.
Sagittarius:
Version 1:
Fingerspell S-A-G.
Version 2:
“Archery”.
Salad:
Version 1:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=slightly curled and separated.
Orientation: Have both hands turned to the side with the fingers pointing outward. Then move the hand closer together and rotate the hands so that the palms are now up. Do that motion again.
Notes: The motion in this sign represents you tossing a salad.
Version 2:
Fingerspell it.
Note: You would spell it for other types of salad that you can’t toss, such as a jello salad.
Salt:
Dominant hand: V handshape. Non-dominant hand: H handshape. Orientation: Have the back of both hands up. Place the index and middle finger of the dominant hand on top of the index and middle finger of the non-dominant hand. Then tap the index and middle finger of the dominant hand up and down asynchronously.
Salvation:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
S handshape.
Orientation: Have the palms of the hand face you. Cross the arms over each other to make an X formation. The dominant hand should be on the inside (so closer to you), and the non-dominant hand should be on the outside. Then pull the hands away from each other and turn the hands so that the backs face you.
Notes: Also means “rescue” and “save”.
Sandals:
Dominant hand:
Index finger=curled but not turned downwards.
Thumb, middle-pinky=curled.
Non-dominant hand:
Index-pinky=extended.
Thumb=curled.
Orientation: Have the back of the dominant and non-dominant hand up. The index finger of the non-dominant hand should be pointing outwards. Curl the index finger of the dominant hand over the index finger of the non-dominant hand. Jam the index finger of the dominant hand against the base of the nondominant hand’s index finger.
Sandwich:
Dominant hand:
B handshape.
Non-dominant hand:
Index-pinky=extended and turned downwards.
Thumb=extended.
Orientation: Have the palms of both hands face you. Then place the non-dominant hand over the fingers of the dominant hand. Move both hands towards your mouth.
Santa Claus:
Version 1:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
S handshape.
Orientation: Have both hands at the sides of your face and underneath your chin. Then pull them away, change into C handshapes. Place the side of the pinkies against each other so that the palm faces you.
Version 2:
Dominant hand:
C handshape.
Orientation: Place the side of the index finger against your chin. Then pull the hand downward and rotate the hand so that the palm is up.
Same:
Version 1: Dominant hand: Y handshape. Non-dominant hand: nothing. Orientation: Have the back of the hand up. Then move the dominant hand from side to side twice.
Version 2: Dominant hand and non-dominant hand: Index finger=extended. Thumb, middle-pinky-curled. Orientation: Have the back of both hands up with the index fingers pointing outwards. Start with the hands apart but then tap them against each other.
Same ol’ same ol’:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Y handshape.
Orientation: Have the backs of both hands up and in front of you. Then spin both hands in circles.
Same time:
Version 1:
“Time” + “same”.
Version 2: Dominant hand and non-dominant hand: L handshape. Orientation: Have the back of both hands up with the index finger pointing outwards. Move both hands into Y handshapes and move the hands to their respective side of the chest. Notes: It also means “simultaneous”.
Satisfied:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Have the back of both hands up with the fingers pointing to the side. Have the dominant hand above the non-dominant hand. Place the side of the index finger for both hands against the chest.
Saturday:
Dominant hand:
S handshape.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the palm face you and then move your hand in a small vertical circle.
Notes: Formally, “Saturday” is signed with the back facing you. To say “every Saturday”, you have the hand higher and move it straight downwards.
Sausage:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
S handshape.
Orientation: Have the backs of both hands up. Have the hands close together in about the middle of your chest. Then squeeze and unsqueeze both hands as you move them farther apart.
Notes: It also means “hotdog”.
Salvation:
Version 1:
Dominant hand:
V handshape.
Non-dominant hand:
S handshape.
Orientation: Have the palm of the non-dominant hand face you. Tap the index and middle finger of the dominant hand against the back of the non-dominant hand.
Notes: It also means “storage” and “retain”.
Version 2:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
S handshape.
Orientation: Have the palms of the hand face you. Cross the arms over each other to make an X formation. The dominant hand should be on the inside (so closer to you), and the non-dominant hand should be on the outside. Then pull the hands away from each other and turn the hands so that the backs face you.
Notes: It also means “rescue” and “salvation”.
Scale:
Version 1:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Have the back of both hands up with the fingers pointing outwards. Then move the hands up and down asynchronously.
Version 2:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Index-pinky=extended and turned downwards.
Thumb=against the side of the index finger.
Orientation: Have both hands turned to the side with the fingers pointing to the side. Move both hands up and down asynchronously.
Notes: It also means “balance” and “Libra”.
Scar:
Dominant hand: Index finger=slightly curled. Thumb, middle-pinky=curled. Non-dominant hand: nothing. Orientation: Run the tip of the index finger horizontally across your forehead, starting from the middle and then going to the dominant side. Notes: It also means “trauma”.
Scarecrow:
“Scare” + “bird”.
You can add “fake” + “person” afterward if the person doesn’t know what you mean.
Scared:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
S handshape.
Orientation: Have the hands at the sides of your chest with the palms facing you. The dominant hand should be above the non-dominant hand. Then extend all the fingers to thrust the hands to the side. For inflection, you can lean back and look scared by your expression.
Notes: It also means “afraid”.
Scarf:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Index-pinky=extended and turned downwards.
Thumb=against the other fingertips.
Orientation: Have the palms of both hands face you with the index-pinky pointing upwards. Have the dominant hand closer to you than the non-dominant hand. Spin both hands in circles. The non-dominant hand should move in a small circle while the dominant hand goes in a bigger circle around the non-dominant hand. Move the dominant hand to the non-dominant shoulder and extend and separate the thumb-pinky.
Scheduled:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=extended and separated.
Orientation: Have the palm of the non-dominant hand face you with the fingers pointing to the side. Have the back of the dominant hand up so that the fingers are pointing to the palm of the non-dominant hand. Then move the dominant hand down. Then turn it to the side with the fingers pointing outwards and move it towards the non-dominant hand’s fingers.
School:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Have the non-dominant hand palm up. Then have the dominant hand hit against the non-dominant hand so that the palms hit each other twice.
Scientist:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Index-pinky=curled.
Thumb=on top of the index finger.
Orientation: Have both hands turned to the side with the thumb pointing upward. Then turn the dominant hand so that the thumb is pointing to the side. Then do the same thing with the non-dominant hand. Then do the “person” sign.
Notes: The hand motions of both hands are like you are pouring substances into an invisible container.
Scissors:
Dominant hand:
H handshape.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the palm face you and the fingers point to the side. Separate the index and middle fingers and then bring them back together. Repeat this motion 2-3 times.
Scoop card from table:
Dominant hand: Thumb-pinky=extended and separated. Non-dominant hand: B handshape. Orientation: Have the back of the non-dominant hand up with the fingers pointing outwards. Have the back of the dominant hand up. Place the fingertips of the dominant hand on top of the non-dominant hand’s fingers. Move the dominant hand towards the non-dominant hand’s wrist, closing your dominant hand into a fist as you do so.
Scorpio:
“Scorpion”.
Scorpion:
Version 1:
Dominant hand:
Index finger=slightly curled.
Thumb, middle-pinky=curled.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the back of the hand face you. The fingers would be pointing upwards if they were fully extended. Quickly tap/”sting” the air in front of you.
Notes: This sign needs some context to come before it.
Version 2: Dominant hand: Index finger=slightly curled. Thumb, middle-pinky=curled. Non-dominant hand: B handshape. Orientation: Have the dominant hand turned to the side. The fingers would be pointing upwards if they were fully extended. Have the back of the non-dominant hand up with the fingers pointing to the side. Have the fingertips of the non-dominant hand against the wrist of the dominant hand. Then either “sting” the air above the non-dominant hand or “sting” the back of the non-dominant hand.
Version 3: Scorpion walking Dominant hand: Index finger=slightly curled. Thumb, middle-pinky=curled. Non-dominant hand: Thumb-pinky=slightly curled and separated. Orientation: Have the back of the dominant hand face you. The fingers would be pointing upwards if they were fully extended. Have the back of the non-dominant hand up. The fingers would be pointing outwards if they were fully extended. Rest the wrist of the dominant hand on top of the wrist of the non-dominant hand. Then move the non-dominant hand outward while wiggling the index-pinky up and down. Notes: It also means “Scorpio”.
Scotland:
“Horizontal stripe sign” + “Vertical stripe sign” to make a small cross on the non-dominant side of your chest.
Notes: It also means “plaid”.
Scrambled:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=slightly curled and separated.
Orientation: Have the palm of the non-dominant hand up and the back of the dominant hand up. Have the dominant hand over the non-dominant hand but not touching it. Spin both hands in circles.
Notes: It also means “mixed”.
Screwdriver:
Dominant hand: H handshape. Non-dominant hand: B handshape. Orientation: Have the non-dominant hand palm up with the fingers pointing outwards. Place the tips of the dominant hand on the middle of the palm of the non-dominant hand. Twist the dominant hand from side to side.
Scripted:
Dominant hand: Index finger=curled but turned upwards. Thumb, middle-pinky=curled. Non-dominant hand: B handshape. Orientation: Have the non-dominant hand turned to the side with the fingers pointing outwards. Have the back of the fingers of the dominant hand against the middle of the non-dominant palm. Move the hand down in one quick motion down the middle of the non-dominant hand’s palm. Notes: It also means “wrote”.
Search:
Dominant hand:
C handshape.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the dominant hand turned to the side with the fingers pointing to the side. Place the dominant hand by your eye. Then move the hand in small circles.
Notes: I think the hand is supposed to represent a magnifying glass, and the movements show you actively looking for something. It also means “seek” and “look for”.
Season:
Dominant hand: S handshape. Non-dominant hand: B handshape. Orientation: Have the non-dominant hand turned to the side with the fingers pointing upwards. Have the side of the index finger against the palm of the non-dominant hand. Spin the dominant hand in a circle against the non-dominant hand’s palm.
Seatbelt:
Version 1:
“Belt”.
Version 2:
Dominant hand:
Index and thumb=slightly curled.
Middle-pinky=curled.
Orientation: With the palm facing you, move the hand from your non-dominant shoulder to the bottom of the dominant side of your chest.
Notes: You can do the same sign with the H handshape.
Second:
Fingerspell S-E-C.
Second hand:
Dominant hand: L handshape. Non-dominant hand: nothing. Orientation: Have the hand turned to the side with the index finger pointing outwards. Then shake the hand back and forth. Notes: It also means “use”.
Secret:
Dominant hand:
Index-pinky=curled.
Thumb=on top of the side of the index finger.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the back of the thumb against your mouth.
Notes: It also means “private”.
Secretary:
Dominant hand:
K handshape.
Non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Have the non-dominant hand palm up with the fingers pointing outward. Place the tip of the dominant hand’s middle finger against your nose. Then move the dominant hand over the non-dominant hand. Then do the “person sign”.
Notes: Can also be done as “pencil” + “person”.
Security:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
S handshape.
Orientation: Have both hands turned to the side. The fingers would be pointing upwards if they were not curled. Have the dominant hand behind the non-dominant hand. Cross the hands at the wrist. Slightly shake while in that formation.
See:
Dominant hand:
V handshape.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the palm face you and near your eye. Then move the hand away from you without turning it.
Notes: To say “we will see”, tap the index and middle finger against your cheek. It also means “vision”.
Seek:
Dominant hand:
C handshape.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the dominant hand turned to the side with the fingers pointing to the side. Place the dominant hand by your eye. Then move the hand in small circles.
Notes: I think the hand is supposed to represent a magnifying glass, and the movements show you actively looking for something. It also means “search” and “look for”.
Seem:
Dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=slightly curled and against each other.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the hand turned to the side with the fingers pointing upwards if they were fully extended. Place the hand by the side of your head. Then shake the hand from side to side.
Notes: It also means “appearance” and “mirror”.
Seize:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Relaxed.
Orientation: Move both hands slightly outward. Then change them both into the S handshape and move them towards you slightly.
Sell agent:
“Store” + “person”.
Semester:
Dominant hand:
S handshape.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the back of the hand up. Move the dominant hand to the side (towards your dominant side, don’t move it across your chest) and then downwards to the bottom of your chest.
Senate:
Dominant hand:
S handshape.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the side of the index finger touch the top of the non-dominant side of the chest and then move to the dominant side of the chest.
Notes: More accurately means “member of senate”. I don’t know if it means the senate as an institution.
Send:
Version 1:
Dominant hand:
Index-pinky=curled.
Thumb=against the side of the index finger.
Non-dominant hand:
S or B handshape.
Orientation: Have the back of the non-dominant hand up. Have the dominant hand on top of the non-dominant hand. Then release the finger of the dominant hand and thrust it out, so it passes over the non-dominant hand.
Version 2: Dominant hand: O handshape. Non-dominant hand: nothing. Orientation: Have the back of the hand face you. Move the hand forward and release and extend the fingers.
Senior:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=extended and separated.
Orientation: Have the palm of the non-dominant hand face you. Place the palm of the dominant hand on top of the thumb of the non-dominant hand.
Notes: This sign is for seniors in school.
Senior citizen:
Dominant hand:
S handshape.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Place the side of the index finger against the bottom of one cheek and then move the hand to the other cheek, change the hand to a C handshape, and place the side of the index finger against it.
Sense:
Dominant hand:
Index finger=extended.
Thumb, middle-pinky=curled.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Jab the index finger against the side of your forehead twice.
Notes: This sign can be used to say “makes sense”.
Sensitive: Easily offended/can’t handle
Dominant hand:
Thumb, index, ring, and pinky=extended and separated.
Middle finger=extended and turned downwards.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Place the tip of the middle finger against the top side of your chest. Then move the hand outwards. Turn the hand so that the back of the hand faces you with the fingers pointing to the side.
Notes: With a facial expression that expresses you are uncomfortable. It also means “insensitive” when signed with a rude facial expression.
Sensitive: Caring
“Feeling” but going down instead of up.
Notes: Neutral facial expression.
Sentence:
Version 1:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
F handshape.
Orientation: Have the back of both hands face you with the middle-pinky fingers pointing upwards. Move the dominant hand to the side while keeping the non-dominant hand in place.
Version 2:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
F handshape.
Orientation: Have both hands turned to the side with the fingers pointing outwards. Have the thumb-index finger circles touching each other. Then move both hands to their respective sides.
Separate:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Thumb=extended and separated.
Index-pinky=slightly curled and against each other.
Orientation: Have the palm of both hands face you. Separate the hands and curl the index-pinky.
Sequential:
Version 1: Dominant hand and non-dominant hand: B handshape. Orientation: Have both of the palms of the hands face you. Have the dominant hand and non-dominant hand against each other. The dominant hand should be the one farther from you. Then move the dominant hand farther from you in little jumps. Version 2: Dominant hand and non-dominant hand: B handshape. Orientation: Have both hands turned to the side with the fingers pointing outward. Have some space between the hands. Move the hands to the side in little jumps.
Serious:
Dominant hand: Index finger=extended. Thumb, middle-pinky=curled. Non-dominant hand: nothing. Orientation: Have the palm face you with the finger pointing upwards. Then place the tip of the index finger against your chin. Then turn the hand so that the hand is turned to the side. Do not move the index finger, however. Just twist it.
Serve:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Have both hands in front of you with the palms up. The fingers should be pointing outwards. Then move the hands back and forth in front of you in an alternating pattern twice.
Notes: Since this does not have the person sign, it is not “server/waiter”.
Server:
“Serve” + “person”.
Notes: It also means “waiter”.
Set:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand: Index-pinky=curled. Thumb=extended. Orientation: Have the back of the non-dominant hand up with the thumb pointing towards you. Have the dominant hand turned to the side with the thumb pointing towards you. Then turn the dominant hand so that the thumb points upwards and place it on top of the non-dominant hand. Notes: It also means “establish”.
Sew: By hand
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
F handshape.
Orientation: Have the hands turned to the side with the middle-pinky fingers pointed outwards. Move the dominant hand in a circle and twist the hand so that the palm is up when it reaches the top of the circle. Repeat that motion 2-3 times.
Sew: By machine
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Index-pinky=extended with the fingers against each other.
Thumb=extended and separated.
Orientation: Have the back of both hands up. Thrust both hands forward and then pull back. Repeat that motion 2-3 times.
Shampoo:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=slightly curled and separated.
Orientation: Place both hands slightly away from the side of your head. Then move both hands back and forth (moving to the back and then the front of your head).
Shape:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
A handshape.
Orientation: Have the back of both hands face you with the thumbs pointing to the side. Turn both hands to the side so that the thumbs point upwards as you move the hands downward. Then bring the hands closer together as you go downwards as well. Then have the back of both hands face you with the thumbs pointing to the side at the bottom again.
Share:
Dominant hand:
B handshape.
Non-dominant hand:
Index-pinky=extended and against each other.
Thumb=extended.
Orientation: Have the palm of the non-dominant hand face you. Have the dominant hand turned to the side with the fingers pointed outwards. Run the side of the pinky of the dominant hand against the side of the index finger on the non-dominant hand. Do that motion 2-3 times.
Notes: It also means “between” and “partner”.
Shave:
Dominant hand: Index finger=slightly curled. Thumb, middle-pinky=curled. Non-dominant hand: nothing. Orientation: Run the back of the index finger against the line of your cheek to your jaw.
Sheep:
Dominant hand: V handshape. Non-dominant hand: B or S handshape. Orientation: Have the back of the non-dominant hand up. Have the palm of the dominant hand face you. On the inside of the non-dominant arm (so closer to your chest), have the index and middle finger open and closer like scissors as you move the dominant hand closer to the non-dominant elbow.
Sheet:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand: Thumb=extended. Index finger=slightly curled. Middle-pinky=curled. Orientation: Have the index fingers, and thumbs of both hands face each other to make a small rectangle shape. Then pull the hands away from each other and have the thumb and index finger touch. It also means “brick”, “card”, “check”, “envelope”, and “rectangle”.
Shelf:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Have the back of both hands up with the fingers pointed outwards. Have the sides of the index fingers against each other (the thumb is curled into the palm). Then separate the hands and move them to their respective sides of the chest.
Notes: To indicate multiple shelves, do the same motion three times but raise the hands each time. It also means “flat”, “floor”, and “level”.
Shift: Work shift
“Schedule”.
Shift: Switch
Dominant hand:
Index and middle finger=slightly curled.
Thumb, ring, and pink=curled.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the hand turned to the side with the fingers pointing to the side. Then turn the hand so that the back is up.
Notes: It also means “switch” and “transfer”.
Shirt:
Version 1:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
F handshape.
Orientation: At the sides of the chest, pick up a portion of the shirt with the index finger and thumb. Then pull the shirt a little bit away from your body and then let go.
Notes: The motion in this sign points out the shirt. This motion (maybe with just one hand) also means “candidate”, “apply”, and “volunteer”.
Version 2:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Place the side of the thumb against your chest. Then move both hands down your chest rotating them, so the palms of the hands now face you.
Shocked:
“Think” + “freeze”.
Notes: It also means “dazed”.
Shoes:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
S handshape.
Orientation: The back of both hands are up. Place the hands against one another at the side of the index fingers. Tap the hands against one another twice.
Shopping:
Version 1: “Buy” twice by sliding the dominant hand over the non-dominant hand. Dr. Bill prefers this one. Version 2: “Store”.
Short:
Dominant hand:
Index-pinky=extended with the fingers against each other and turned downwards.
Thumb=against the side of the index finger.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the hand turned to the side so that the side of the index finger faces you. Place the hand high in the middle or lower chest area.
Notes: It is like you are touching the top of a short person’s head.
Short hair:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Index-pinky=extended and turned downwards with the fingers against each other.
Thumb=against the side of the index finger.
Orientation: With the palms facing you, place one hand on each side of your head. Then move the hands upward by your ears and move the bounce the hands up and down.
Shot: Medical
Version 1: Dominant hand: L handshape. Non-dominant hand: nothing. Orientation: Have the tip of the index finger tap against the non-dominant arm.
Version 2: Dominant hand: Number 3 handshape. Non-dominant hand: nothing. Orientation: Have the palm up with the fingers pointing to the side. Then have the fingers and the thumb touch as you place the back of the fingers against the non-dominant arm.
Should:
Dominant hand: Index finger=slightly curled. Middle-pinky=curled. Thumb=curled over the fingers. Non-dominant hand: nothing. Orientation: Have the back of the hand face you. Then turn the wrist down so that the fingers are pointing to the floor. Notes: It also means “need”.
Show:
Dominant hand:
Index finger=extended.
Thumb, middle-pinky=curled.
Non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Have the non-dominant hand turned to the side with the finger pointing upwards. Then place the index finger of the dominant hand against the palm of the non-dominant hand. The palm of the dominant hand should be facing you.
Notes: Moving this formation away from you means “show you” while moving the formation towards you means “show me”.
Shower:
Dominant hand:
Index-pinky=extended but turned downwards.
Thumb=extended and touching the tip of the index finger.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the hand above but near the side of your head. Extended all the fingers and then put them back in the starting position twice.
Notes: With the hand being above your head, it is like the showerhead is there.
Show up:
Dominant hand: Index finger=extended. Thumb, middle-pinky=curled. Non-dominant hand: Thumb-pinky=extended and separated. Orientation: Have the back of the non-dominant hand up with the fingers pointed to the side. Place the index finger of the dominant hand between the middle and ring finger of the non-dominant hand. The index finger should be pointing upwards. Notes: It also means “appear”.
Shrimp:
Dominant hand:
Index finger=curled but not turned downwards.
Thumb, middle-pinky=curled.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Move the dominant hand from your dominant side to your non-dominant hand side in front of you. As it moves, curl and uncurl the index finger a few times.
Shut down:
Version 1:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=extended and separated.
Orientation: Have the backs of the hands face you. Then turn the hands downward so that the back is facing up, the fingers are turned downward, and the thumb is touching the tips of the other fingers.
Version 2: Dominant hand: S handshape. Non-dominant hand: B handshape. Orientation: Have the non-dominant arm in front of you with the back of the hand up. Rest the elbow of the dominant arm on the non-dominant hand. Then bring the dominant arm down so that the dominant hand is near the non-dominant elbow.
Shut up:
Dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=extended and separated.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the back of the hand up with the fingers pointing outward. Have your mouth open. Then bring the hand closer to you, turn the index-pinky downward, have the thumb touch the tips of the other fingers, and turn the hand to the side with the fingers pointing to the side. Place the side of the index finger against your mouth and close your mouth.
Shy:
Dominant hand:
Index-pinky=extended, against each other and turned downwards.
Thumb=extended and by the side of the index finger.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Place the back of the fingers against your cheek and turn your head towards your shoulder like you were cowering away.
Sibling:
Similar to “parent”, do “brother” to the top of the middle of your chest, and then do the same for “sister”.
Sick:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Thumb, index, ring, and pinky=extended and separated.
Middle finger=extended and turned downwards.
Orientation: Have the tip of the middle finger of the dominant hand touch the side of your forehead. Have the tip of the middle finger of the non-dominant hand touch the bottom of your chest.
Sick that:
Dominant hand:
Thumb, index, ring, and pinky=extended and separated.
Middle finger=extended and turned downwards.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the middle finger touching the side of your forehead. Then, pull the hand away and point at whatever you think is sick.
Side:
Dominant hand:
B handshape.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the dominant hand turned to the side with the fingers pointing outward. Then move the hand downwards.
Notes: This can be used to say things as “My mom’s side” or “My dad’s side”.
Sidewalk:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Have the hands at the dominant side of your chest. Have both hands turned to the side with the fingers pointing outwards. There should be some space between the hands. Then move both hands forward and away from you.
Sign:
Version 1: Dominant hand and non-dominant hand: Index finger=extended. Thumb, middle-pinky=curled. Orientation: Both hands spin in a circle twice. Version 2: Dominant hand and non-dominant hand: Index-pinky=slightly curled. Thumb=over index-pinky. Orientation: Both hands have the tips of the index-pinky fingers tap against the palm twice.
Signature:
Dominant hand:
H handshape.
Non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Have the back of the dominant up and the palm non-dominant hand up. Spin the dominant hand in a quick circle and then rest it on top of the non-dominant hand.
Notes: Mix between name and paper to say ‘put your name on paper’. It also means “contract”, “register”, and “sign up”.
Sign up:
Dominant hand:
H handshape.
Non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Have the back of the dominant up and the palm non-dominant hand up. Spin the dominant hand in a quick circle and then rest it on top of the non-dominant hand.
Notes: It also means “contract”, “register”, and “signature”.
Silly:
Dominant hand:
Y handshape.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the hand turned to the side with the thumb facing you. Place the hand near your nose. Then rotate the hand from side to side quickly.
Silver:
Dominant hand: Index finger=extended. Thumb, middle-pinky=curled. Non-dominant hand: nothing. Orientation: Have the index finger point at the bottom of your ear and then curl your index finger to make a fist. Then slightly shake the fist.
Simple:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
F handshape.
Orientation: Have the tips of the thumbs touch. Then move the dominant hand upwards and then downwards.
Simultaneous:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
L handshape.
Orientation: Have the back of both hands up with the index finger pointing outwards. Move both hands into Y handshapes and move the hands to their respective side of the chest.
Notes: It also means “same time”.
Since:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Index finger=extended.
Thumb, middle-pinky=curled.
Orientation: With the palms facing, you have the hands by your dominant shoulder. Then pull the hands away from your shoulder.
Notes: Can also mean “has been”, “up to now”, “ever since”, “have been” and “so far”.
Single:
Version 1:
Dominant hand:
Index finger=extended.
Thumb, middle-pinky=curled.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the palm face you and shake the hand side to side a little.
Notes: It also means “something” and “someone”.
Version 2: Dominant hand: Index finger=extended. Thumb, middle-pinky=curled. Non-dominant hand: nothing. Orientation: Have the index finger touch one side of your mouth and then move to the other side.
Sink it:
Fingerspell it.
Sister:
Dominant hand: Thumb and index finger=extended. Middle-pinky=curled. Non-dominant hand: Index finger=extended. Middle-pinky=curled. Thumb=curled over middle-pinky. Orientation: The dominant thumb touches the side of the cheek, and then the dominant hand moves down to rest against the non-dominant hand, which has the palm facing you.
Sister in law:
“Sister” + “law”.
Sit: General
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
H handshape.
Orientation: Have the back of the dominant hand and non-dominant hand up. Then place the index and middle finger of the dominant hand over the index and middle finger of the non-dominant hand. Slightly curl the index and middle finger of the dominant hand.
Note: The dominant hand’s slightly curled index and middle finger look like legs dangling from a bench.
Sit: Two people sit across from each other
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Index and middle finger=slightly curled and separated.
Thumb, ring, and pinky=curled.
Orientation: Have the hands turned to the side. The finger would be pointing upwards if they were fully extended. The hands face each other.
Notes: This can also be done with the back of the dominant hand facing you and the palm of the non-dominant hand facing you.
Situation:
Dominant hand:
S handshape or thumb-pinky=extended and separated.
Non-dominant hand:
Index finger=extended.
Thumb, middle-pinky=curled.
Orientation: Have the non-dominant hand turned to the side with the index finger pointing upwards. Then have the back of the dominant hand facing you with the fingers pointing upwards. Have some space between the dominant hand and non-dominant hand. Move the dominant hand around the non-dominant hand (though never touching it) so that the palm of the dominant hand now faces you.
Size:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Y handshape.
Orientation: Have the hands in front of you with the back of both hands up. Have the hands touch at the tip of their thumbs.
Skateboard:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Index and middle finger=slightly curled and separated.
Thumb, ring, and pinky=curled.
Orientation: Have the palms up with the fingers pointing outward. Have the dominant hand behind the non-dominant hand. Then both hands up and down.
Ski:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Index finger=curled but not turned downwards.
Thumb, middle-pinky=curled.
Orientation: Have the palms of the hands up with the non-dominant hand a bit more forward than the dominant hand. Then move both hands up and down slightly.
Skill:
Dominant hand:
Index-pinky=slightly curled with the fingers against each other.
Thumb=on top of the side of the index finger.
Non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Have the non-dominant hand turned to the side with the fingers pointing upwards. Have the palm of the dominant hand face you. Clasp the dominant hand over the side of the pinky of the non-dominant hand. Then move the dominant hand outwards and turn the dominant hand into an A handshape.
Notes: It also means “adept”, “fluent”, and “good at”, and “talent”.
Skin:
Dominant hand: Thumb and index finger=slightly curled. They do not make a circle. Middle-pinky=curled. Orientation: Pinch the skin on your cheek or the back of your non-dominant hand.
Skinny:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
I handshape.
Orientation: With the palms facing you, have the dominant hand above the non-dominant hand. Then, have the tips of the pinkies touch each other. Then draw the dominant hand and non-dominant hand apart.
Skip:
Dominant hand:
Index finger=extended.
Thumb, middle-pinky=curled.
Non-dominant hand:
Thumb, index, ring, and pinky=extended and separated.
Middle finger=extended and turned downwards.
Orientation: Have the dominant and non-dominant hand turned to the side with the fingers pointing upwards. Rotate the dominant hand down so that it brushes against the downturned middle finger of the non-dominant hand.
Notes: It also means “absent”.
Skirt: General
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=extended, and the fingers are not against each other.
Orientation: Have the palms of both hands face you. Place them on the sides of your hips. Move the hands down your legs. You don’t have to go all the way down, just about halfway to your knees.
Skirt: Short
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=extended, and the fingers are not against each other.
Orientation: Have the palms of both hands face you. Place them on the sides of your hips. Move the hands down your legs. Before you get halfway to your knees, change the handshape. Have the index-pinky extended, against each other, and turned downwards. Have the thumb against the side of the index finger. Have the side of the pinky against your leg and the palm up.
Skyscraper:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Have both hands turned to the side with the fingers pointing outwards. There should be some space between the hands. Then move both hands upwards.
Sled:
Version 1:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Index and middle finger=slightly curled and separated.
Thumb, ring, and pinky=curled.
Orientation: Have the palms up with the fingers pointing outward. Have the dominant hand behind the non-dominant hand. Use the wrists to bring the hand upward so that the palms face you, and then bring the hands back downward. Repeat the motion 2-3 times.
Version 2:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
Index and middle finger=slightly curled and separated.
Thumb, ring, and pinky=curled.
Orientation: Have the palms up with the fingers pointing outward. Have the dominant hand behind the non-dominant hand. Then move both hands away from you.
Sleep:
Dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=extended and separated.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the palm face you. Have the hand at your face. Then turn the fingers downwards and have the thumb touch the tips of the fingers. Also, turn your head down and close your eyes.
Notes: It is like you are being turned off.
Sleep in:
Step 1:
Dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=extended and separated.
Non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Have the palm of the dominant hand face you. Have the hand at your face. Then turn the fingers downwards and have the thumb touch the tips of the fingers. Also, turn your head down and close your eyes. Bring the dominant hand downwards and move in the non-dominant hand with the back up. Move the dominant hand under the non-dominant arm to the outside and proceed to step 2.
Step 2:
Dominant hand:
Index finger=extended but turned downwards.
Middle-pinky=extended.
Thumb=extended and touching the tip of the index finger.
Non-dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=extended with the fingers against each other.
Orientation: Have the back of the non-dominant hand up with the arm horizontally across your chest. Have the dominant hand on the outside of the non-dominant arm by the elbow. Then change the dominant hand to an F handshape and raise the dominant hand like the sun is rising.
Notes: This is just the “sunrise” sign.
Sleepy:
Dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=extended and separated.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the back of the hand up and the fingers pointing to your face. Wave the index-pinky fingers up and down. For inflection, you can half close your eyes and look tired.
Slice:
Version 1: Dominant hand: B handshape. Non-dominant hand: C handshape. Orientation: Have the back of the non-dominant hand up. Have the dominant hand turned to the side with the fingers pointing outwards. Move the dominant hand up and down and move both hands to the side. Notes: It also means “cut”.
Version 2: Dominant hand and non-dominant hand: B handshape. Orientation: Have the non-dominant hand palm up. Then have the dominant hand to the side in a karate chop position and come to rest in the middle of the non-dominant hand. Then move the dominant hand down the middle of the palm of the non-dominant hand. Notes: It also means “part” and “some”.
Slip mind:
Sign “vanish” with the non-dominant hand against your forehead.
Slow:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: The back of the non-dominant hand is up. The dominant hand runs over the non-dominant hand from the fingers to the wrist.
Small:
Dominant hand and non-dominant hand:
B handshape.
Orientation: Put both hands in a karate chop position with some space between them. Then, have them move closer together like you were pushing and making something smaller.
Small round:
Dominant hand: F handshape. Non-dominant hand: nothing. Orientation: Have the hand turned to the side with the middle-pinky fingers pointing outwards. Make a small O shape with your mouth. Notes: This is a classifier.
Smart:
Version 1:
Dominant hand:
Index finger=extended.
Thumb, middle-pinky=curled.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the tip of the side of the index finger against the side of your forehead. Then, without twisting the hand, move the index finger away from your forehead so that it points outward.
Notes: Used to say “smart” or “intelligent”.
Version 2:
Dominant hand:
Thumb-pinky=extended and separated.
The middle finger is the only one turned downwards.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Tap the tip of the middle finger against the side of your forehead. Then twist the hand so that the back faces you.
Notes: Used to say smart as in “bright”, “brilliant”, “clever”, and “genius”.
Smell: General
Dominant hand:
B handshape.
Non-dominant hand: nothing.
Orientation: Have the palm face you. Move the hand in circles near your nose like you are wafting the scents up there.