How to Sign "Barbie"

To sign *Barbie*, form a 'B' handshape with your dominant hand. Place the index finger side of your hand against the side of your nose. Brush your hand down slightly or tap it against your nose twice. This is an initialized version of the sign for *doll*.

Examples Using "Barbie" in a Sentence

1

My daughter wants a Barbie for her birthday.

Sign 'Barbie' by tapping a 'B' handshape against your nose, then sign 'want' and 'birthday'.

2

We watched the Barbie movie.

Sign 'Barbie' followed by the sign for 'movie' to describe what you watched.

3

She has a large collection of Barbie dolls.

Use the sign for 'Barbie' to specify the exact type of doll collection she has.

How to Sign "Barbie"
To sign *Barbie*, form a 'B' handshape with your dominant hand. Place the index finger side of your hand against the side of your nose. Brush your hand down slightly or tap it against your nose twice. This is an initialized version of the sign for *doll*.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is an initialized sign. It takes the location and movement of the sign for 'doll' (which uses an 'X' handshape on the nose) and replaces it with a 'B' handshape to represent the first letter of 'Barbie'.
Signing Tips
Make sure your thumb is tucked in across your palm to form a clear 'B' handshape. Keep the movement small and localized to the side of your nose, tapping or brushing lightly twice.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using an 'X' handshape, which is the general sign for 'doll'. Remember to use a 'B' handshape to specifically sign 'Barbie'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Barbie" in a Sentence
1

My daughter wants a Barbie for her birthday.

Sign 'Barbie' by tapping a 'B' handshape against your nose, then sign 'want' and 'birthday'.

2

We watched the Barbie movie.

Sign 'Barbie' followed by the sign for 'movie' to describe what you watched.

3

She has a large collection of Barbie dolls.

Use the sign for 'Barbie' to specify the exact type of doll collection she has.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for Barbie the same as the sign for doll?

No, while they share the same location and movement, 'doll' uses an 'X' handshape, whereas 'Barbie' uses a 'B' handshape.

Can I just fingerspell Barbie?

Yes, you can always fingerspell B-A-R-B-I-E, but using the initialized sign is a common and faster way to refer to the specific brand of doll.

Does it matter which side of the nose I tap?

You should tap the side of your nose that corresponds to your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, tap the right side of your nose.

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