To sign 'bf' (boyfriend), you will fingerspell the letters B and F. First, form the letter 'B' with your dominant hand by keeping your fingers straight and together with your thumb resting across your palm, facing outward. Then, smoothly transition into the letter 'F' by touching the tips of your index finger and thumb together to form a circle, while keeping your other three fingers extended and slightly spread.
Sign 'my', fingerspell B-F, and then sign 'tall' to describe his height.
Sign 'you', 'your', fingerspell B-F, and then sign 'go' and 'party'.
Sign 'I', 'meet', 'her', 'new', and finish by fingerspelling B-F.
Sign 'my', fingerspell B-F, and then sign 'tall' to describe his height.
Sign 'you', 'your', fingerspell B-F, and then sign 'go' and 'party'.
Sign 'I', 'meet', 'her', 'new', and finish by fingerspelling B-F.
Both are perfectly acceptable! Fingerspelling 'bf' is a more casual, slang-like abbreviation, similar to how it's used in written English. The full sign for 'boyfriend' (combining 'boy' and 'friend') is also very common and appropriate for any context.
No, you should not pause. The goal is a smooth, seamless transition from the 'B' handshape directly into the 'F' handshape, treating it as a single fluid motion rather than two isolated letters.
Always use your dominant hand for fingerspelling. If you are right-handed, use your right hand; if you are left-handed, use your left hand. Keep your hand steady and clearly visible in your normal signing space.
