How to Sign "Ass"
to sign 'ass', bring the dominant hand into a fist, leaving the index finger extended. bring the hand down to your waist and point at your own behind.
Examples Using "Ass" in a Sentence
1
My ass hurts from sitting all day.
Sign 'my', then sign 'ass' by pointing toward your behind with your index finger, followed by the sign for 'hurt' near the area or in front of your body.
2
The dog bit him on the ass.
After signing 'dog' and 'bite', use your dominant hand with the index finger extended to point toward your behind, indicating exactly where the bite happened.
3
He fell right on his ass.
Sign 'he' and 'fall', then use your index finger to point down toward your behind to emphasize the specific body part that took the impact.
How to Sign "Ass"
to sign 'ass', bring the dominant hand into a fist, leaving the index finger extended. bring the hand down to your waist and point at your own behind.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a perfect example of indexing, a fundamental concept in American Sign Language. Indexing involves using the extended index finger to point directly at a subject, object, or body part. Because this sign literally points to the buttocks, its visual motivation is highly iconic and straightforward. Instead of relying on an abstract symbol, the sign uses direct physical reference to convey the meaning clearly and immediately.
Signing Tips
When executing this sign, focus on a natural, relaxed movement. You do not need to reach all the way around your back; a simple downward point toward your hip or upper behind area is easily understood. Ensure your index finger is clearly extended in the '1' handshape. Remember that facial expressions carry a lot of meaning in ASL. Adjust your expression based on the context—whether you are complaining about a sore muscle, making a joke, or being literal.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is overextending their shoulder or twisting their body to reach too far back. This makes the sign awkward and interrupts the flow of your sentence. Another common error is using a flat hand or a full palm to pat the area instead of using the specific '1' handshape (index finger) described. Keep the motion simple, comfortable, and clearly pointed.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Ass" in a Sentence
1My ass hurts from sitting all day.
Sign 'my', then sign 'ass' by pointing toward your behind with your index finger, followed by the sign for 'hurt' near the area or in front of your body.
2The dog bit him on the ass.
After signing 'dog' and 'bite', use your dominant hand with the index finger extended to point toward your behind, indicating exactly where the bite happened.
3He fell right on his ass.
Sign 'he' and 'fall', then use your index finger to point down toward your behind to emphasize the specific body part that took the impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign considered a bad word in ASL?
The sign itself is simply a literal pointing to the body part (the buttocks). Whether it is considered vulgar or just a neutral anatomical reference depends entirely on your facial expression, the context of the sentence, and how aggressively you point.
Do I need to physically touch my behind to sign this?
No, physical contact is not required. You simply need to bring your hand down near your waist and point your index finger toward your behind. A clear pointing motion in the general direction is perfectly sufficient for the sign to be understood.
Does this sign also mean the animal (a donkey)?
No, this specific pointing sign is only used for the body part. If you want to sign 'ass' as in the animal (a donkey), you would use a completely different sign, typically placing open hands near your head to mimic the movement of long ears.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!