How to Sign "Bestie"

To sign 'bestie', form an 'R' handshape with your dominant hand by crossing your middle finger tightly over your index finger. Hold your hand up near your shoulder level with your palm facing forward. Give the hand a small, quick shake side-to-side to emphasize the close bond.

Examples Using "Bestie" in a Sentence

1

She is my bestie.

Point to the person or their space, then use the crossed-fingers sign for 'bestie' while smiling to show affection.

2

I miss my bestie.

Sign 'I', then 'miss' by poking your chin with your index finger, followed by 'my' and 'bestie'.

3

My bestie and I are going out.

Sign 'my bestie', point to yourself, and then sign 'go out' to show you are leaving together.

How to Sign "Bestie"
To sign 'bestie', form an 'R' handshape with your dominant hand by crossing your middle finger tightly over your index finger. Hold your hand up near your shoulder level with your palm facing forward. Give the hand a small, quick shake side-to-side to emphasize the close bond.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The crossed fingers in this sign visually represent two people who are tightly intertwined and inseparable, perfectly capturing the concept of best friends who stick together.
Signing Tips
Make sure your middle and index fingers are tightly crossed to visually represent a tight, inseparable bond. Pair this sign with a warm, happy facial expression, as you are talking about someone you care about deeply.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the 'U' handshape, where the index and middle fingers are kept straight and together, instead of crossing them. Make sure the middle finger is clearly crossed over the index finger.
Regional Variations
While the crossed-fingers sign is very common for 'bestie', some signers may use the traditional 'best friend' sign, which involves hooking the index fingers together tightly and pulling slightly.
Examples Using "Bestie" in a Sentence
1

She is my bestie.

Point to the person or their space, then use the crossed-fingers sign for 'bestie' while smiling to show affection.

2

I miss my bestie.

Sign 'I', then 'miss' by poking your chin with your index finger, followed by 'my' and 'bestie'.

3

My bestie and I are going out.

Sign 'my bestie', point to yourself, and then sign 'go out' to show you are leaving together.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'friend' and 'bestie' in ASL?

The standard sign for 'friend' involves hooking your index fingers together in alternating directions. 'Bestie' uses the crossed fingers of a single hand to show an even tighter, inseparable bond.

Can I use this sign for 'best friend' as well?

Yes! This crossed-fingers sign is widely used to mean both 'best friend' and the more casual term 'bestie'.

Does it matter which hand I use to sign this?

Because it is a one-handed sign, you should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to form the crossed fingers.

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