How to Sign "Aunty"
To sign 'aunty' (or 'aunt'), form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand. Place it near your cheek or jawline, which is the feminine area of the face in ASL. Twist or shake your hand back and forth a couple of times.
Examples Using "Aunty" in a Sentence
1
My aunty is coming to visit.
Sign 'my', then 'aunty' near your cheek, followed by the signs for 'come' and 'visit'.
2
I love my aunty.
Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest for 'love', sign 'my', and finish with 'aunty'.
3
Is she your aunty?
Point to the person, sign 'your', and then 'aunty' while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
How to Sign "Aunty"
To sign 'aunty' (or 'aunt'), form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand. Place it near your cheek or jawline, which is the feminine area of the face in ASL. Twist or shake your hand back and forth a couple of times.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'aunty' uses the first letter of the English word, an 'A' handshape. It is placed on the lower half of the face, which is the designated area for female signs in ASL (such as mother, grandmother, and sister), visually connecting the initial letter with the concept of a female relative.
Signing Tips
Keep the twisting movement small and controlled near your jawline. Remember that in ASL, female family signs are located on the lower half of the face, so make sure your hand stays near your cheek or chin rather than drifting up to your forehead.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is signing 'aunty' near the forehead. The forehead is reserved for male family signs (like 'uncle'). Make sure to keep the 'A' handshape near your cheek or jawline to clearly indicate a female relative.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Aunty" in a Sentence
1My aunty is coming to visit.
Sign 'my', then 'aunty' near your cheek, followed by the signs for 'come' and 'visit'.
2I love my aunty.
Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest for 'love', sign 'my', and finish with 'aunty'.
3Is she your aunty?
Point to the person, sign 'your', and then 'aunty' while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the sign for 'aunty' near the chin?
In ASL, the face is divided into gendered zones. The upper half (forehead) is used for male signs like 'father' or 'uncle', while the lower half (cheek/chin) is used for female signs like 'mother' or 'aunty'.
Is the sign for 'aunt' and 'aunty' the same?
Yes, the sign is exactly the same whether you are saying 'aunt' or 'aunty'. ASL focuses on the core meaning of the word rather than the specific English suffix.
Do I use my right or left hand?
You should use your dominant hand to sign 'aunty'. If you are right-handed, use your right hand near your right cheek; if left-handed, use your left hand near your left cheek.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!