PocketSign
Basic

OO for Small or Thin

OO uses small rounded lips to show that something is small, thin, narrow, smooth, or delicate.

All Mouth Morphemes lessons
Close-up of an ASL signer using rounded OO lips for small or thin

Learn It

Start with the simple version, then practice it with real signs.

Use OO when the thing is small, thin, narrow, or delicate. The lips round forward into a small opening.

OO can pair with signs like DOG, LINE, THREAD, LITTLE, or a classifier showing a thin object.

Keep the shape controlled. It should look small and rounded, not like a big surprised mouth.

Round lipsMake a small rounded OO shape.
Small meaningUse it for tiny, thin, narrow, smooth, or delicate ideas.
Not hugeOO is the opposite of the wide CHA feeling.

Try It

Practice slowly. Make the mouth shape at the same time as the sign.

  1. Sign DOG SMALL with OO to show a tiny dog.
  2. Sign LINE THIN with OO to show a narrow line.
  3. Compare HOUSE BIG with CHA and HOUSE SMALL with OO.

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first. A dark green pill names the mouth shape, not an extra sign.

ASL lineDOG SMALL. OO mouth
MeaningA tiny dog.
TipOO makes the small size clear.
Mouth actionOO mouthRound the lips into a small OO shape while signing SMALL.
ASL lineLINE THIN. OO mouth
MeaningA very thin line.
TipThe lips match the narrow meaning.
Mouth actionOO mouthKeep the lips small and rounded during THIN.
ASL lineWATER LITTLE. OO mouth
MeaningA small amount of water.
TipOO can show a small amount, not just a small object.
Mouth actionOO mouthUse the rounded mouth as the small amount is signed.

Common Mistake

Do not say the English word small with your lips. The ASL cue is the rounded OO shape.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

OO can also show smoothness or a beautiful thin quality in some contexts. Learn the small or thin meaning first.