How to Sign "Among Us"
To sign *among us* (referring to the popular multiplayer video game), begin by performing the standard ASL sign for GAME. Form both hands into 'A' handshapes with your thumbs pointing straight up, and tap your knuckles together twice in front of your chest. Next, drop your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to smoothly fingerspell the game's common abbreviation, A-U-S. Form the letter 'A' (a fist with the thumb resting on the side), then 'U' (index and middle fingers extended together), and finally 'S' (a fist with the thumb wrapped across the front of the fingers).
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a straightforward compound that combines a standard ASL vocabulary word with a modern initialized abbreviation. The first part uses the established ASL sign for GAME, which is visually motivated by the idea of two opposing forces or players coming together, represented by the two 'A' hands with thumbs up tapping against each other. The second part is a direct English abbreviation, taking the first letter of 'Among' and the first and last letters of 'Us' to create the quick, efficient fingerspelled sequence A-U-S, perfectly suited for fast-paced gaming conversations.
Signing Tips
When transitioning from the two-handed sign for GAME to the one-handed fingerspelling of A-U-S, try to keep your dominant hand in the same comfortable signing space, right in front of your shoulder. Focus on clarity rather than speed when forming the letters. It is especially important to make a clear distinction between your 'A' handshape (where the thumb rests on the side of the index finger) and your 'S' handshape (where the thumb wraps across the front of the fingers). Practicing this transition slowly will help you build muscle memory for a smooth, natural delivery.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is rushing the fingerspelled portion of the sign, which often causes the 'A' and 'S' handshapes to blur together and look identical. If your thumb placement isn't distinct, the abbreviation becomes difficult for others to read. Another frequent error is omitting the initial sign for GAME when introducing the topic. Without signing GAME first, fingerspelling A-U-S out of context might confuse your conversation partner, as they won't immediately know you are referring to a video game title. Always establish context first!
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Among Us" in a Sentence
1Do you want to play Among Us?
To ask this question, start by signing 'YOU WANT PLAY'. Then, provide the context by signing GAME, and smoothly fingerspell the letters A-U-S. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly at the end to clearly indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.
2My favorite game is Among Us.
Begin by signing 'MY FAVORITE' and then perform the standard two-handed sign for GAME. After tapping your knuckles together, drop your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to clearly fingerspell A-U-S, specifying exactly which video game you are talking about.
3Who is the imposter in Among Us?
Start by asking 'WHO IMPOSTER IN' (you can use the ASL sign for FAKE or HIDE to represent the imposter). Then, sign GAME and fingerspell A-U-S. Be sure to furrow your eyebrows throughout the sentence, as this is the proper facial grammar for a 'wh-' question in ASL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we spell A-U-S instead of the whole name?
Fingerspelling the full name 'A-M-O-N-G U-S' takes a lot of time and interrupts the flow of conversation. In ASL, popular titles, long names, and frequent phrases are often abbreviated for efficiency. The sequence A-U-S has become the standard, quick way for signers to refer to the game without slowing down.
Do I always have to sign GAME before spelling A-U-S?
Not always! While signing GAME first provides helpful context—especially if you bring the topic up out of nowhere—you can drop it once the context is clear. If you and your friends are already discussing video games, simply fingerspelling A-U-S is perfectly acceptable and understood.
How do I sign the slang word 'sus' from the game?
The popular slang term 'sus' is typically just fingerspelled S-U-S. Alternatively, you can use the standard ASL sign for SUSPICIOUS, which is done by bringing your index finger to the side of your forehead and scratching or bending it slightly while showing a distrustful facial expression.
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