How to Sign "Anger"

To sign 'anger', start with both hands in a claw shape, with your fingers spread and bent. Place your hands against your lower chest or stomach area. Pull both hands upward and slightly outward in a forceful motion, as if the emotion is boiling up inside you. Make sure to use an angry facial expression with furrowed brows to clearly convey the feeling.

Examples Using "Anger" in a Sentence

1

His anger was obvious to everyone.

Sign 'his', then perform the 'anger' sign using the forceful upward claw motion on your chest, and finish with the sign for 'obvious'.

2

I am trying to control my anger.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'try', 'control', and then perform the 'anger' sign on your chest while maintaining a tense facial expression.

3

Why are you so full of anger?

Sign 'you', then sign 'anger' with a strong facial expression, and finish with the sign for 'why' while furrowing your eyebrows to ask the question.

How to Sign "Anger"
To sign 'anger', start with both hands in a claw shape, with your fingers spread and bent. Place your hands against your lower chest or stomach area. Pull both hands upward and slightly outward in a forceful motion, as if the emotion is boiling up inside you. Make sure to use an angry facial expression with furrowed brows to clearly convey the feeling.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents the physical sensation of anger. The clawed hands pulling upward from the chest mimic the feeling of intense emotion or rage boiling up from inside your stomach and chest, ready to burst out.
Signing Tips
The most important part of signing 'anger' is your facial expression. Without furrowed eyebrows and a tense face, the sign loses its meaning. The intensity of your motion should also match the level of anger you are trying to convey. A slight annoyance will have a smaller motion, while intense rage will be a sharp, forceful pull.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is keeping a blank or neutral facial expression while doing the hand motion. In ASL, emotions must be shown on the face. Another mistake is starting the sign too high up on the neck or face; the hands should start on the chest or stomach area.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Anger" in a Sentence
1

His anger was obvious to everyone.

Sign 'his', then perform the 'anger' sign using the forceful upward claw motion on your chest, and finish with the sign for 'obvious'.

2

I am trying to control my anger.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'try', 'control', and then perform the 'anger' sign on your chest while maintaining a tense facial expression.

3

Why are you so full of anger?

Sign 'you', then sign 'anger' with a strong facial expression, and finish with the sign for 'why' while furrowing your eyebrows to ask the question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign 'anger' with just one hand?

Yes, 'anger' can sometimes be signed with just your dominant hand using the same claw shape and upward motion on the chest. However, using both hands, as shown in the video, often emphasizes a stronger or more intense feeling of anger.

How do I show different levels of anger?

You can adjust the speed and size of the sign, along with your facial expression. For mild frustration, use a smaller, slower motion. For extreme rage, use a sharp, forceful upward pull and a very intense, angry face.

Is the sign for 'anger' the same as 'mad'?

They are related but distinct. 'Mad' is typically signed with a single claw hand placed directly in front of your face, pulling slightly inward or twisting, whereas 'anger' uses one or both hands pulling upward on the chest.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!