How to Sign "Annoy"

To sign 'annoy,' hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, palm facing your body and fingers pointing to the side. Form a flat handshape with your dominant hand. Tap the pinky edge of your dominant hand into the webbing between the thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand twice.

Examples Using "Annoy" in a Sentence

1

Stop annoying me!

Sign 'stop' followed by 'annoy,' directing the sign slightly toward yourself to indicate that you are the one being bothered.

2

The loud noise is annoying.

Sign 'noise,' 'loud,' and then 'annoy,' using a frustrated facial expression to show how much the sound bothers you.

3

My little brother annoys me.

Sign 'my,' 'little,' 'brother,' and then 'annoy,' bringing the sign slightly toward yourself to show who is receiving the action.

How to Sign "Annoy"
To sign 'annoy,' hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, palm facing your body and fingers pointing to the side. Form a flat handshape with your dominant hand. Tap the pinky edge of your dominant hand into the webbing between the thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign visually represents something repeatedly interrupting or 'cutting into' your personal space or peace, much like how an annoyance feels disruptive and persistent.
Signing Tips
Facial expressions are crucial for this sign! A slight frown, furrowed eyebrows, or an exasperated look will clearly convey the feeling of being annoyed. Ensure the tapping motion is distinct and firm, representing the persistent nature of an annoyance.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is chopping the palm or the back of the non-dominant hand instead of the webbing between the thumb and index finger. Another mistake is keeping a neutral face, which fails to communicate the emotion behind the word.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Annoy" in a Sentence
1

Stop annoying me!

Sign 'stop' followed by 'annoy,' directing the sign slightly toward yourself to indicate that you are the one being bothered.

2

The loud noise is annoying.

Sign 'noise,' 'loud,' and then 'annoy,' using a frustrated facial expression to show how much the sound bothers you.

3

My little brother annoys me.

Sign 'my,' 'little,' 'brother,' and then 'annoy,' bringing the sign slightly toward yourself to show who is receiving the action.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'annoy' the same as 'bother'?

Yes, the sign for 'annoy' is exactly the same as the sign for 'bother.' You can use this single sign for both English concepts, relying on the context of your sentence to make the meaning clear.

How do I show that I am really annoyed?

To show intense annoyance, make the tapping motion sharper and more forceful. You should also exaggerate your facial expression with a deeper frown and intensely furrowed eyebrows.

Does it matter which hand does the tapping?

Yes, you should always use your dominant hand to perform the active tapping motion, while your non-dominant hand remains stationary to act as the base.

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