How to Sign "Bomb"

Start with both hands in 'S' handshapes (fists) in front of your chest. Bring your dominant fist down to strike your non-dominant fist. Immediately after they touch, quickly move both hands outward and upward while opening your fingers wide into '5' handshapes, mimicking a sudden explosion.

Examples Using "Bomb" in a Sentence

1

The bomb exploded loudly.

Sign 'bomb' with a large, forceful movement to show the explosion, then sign 'loud' by pointing to your ear and shaking your hands back and forth.

2

They found a bomb in the building.

Sign 'building', then 'find', and finally 'bomb'. Make sure to start the 'bomb' sign with tight fists before executing the explosive outward motion.

3

The video game features a bomb.

Sign 'video game', then use the sign for 'bomb'. You can adjust the size of the explosion motion to match how big the blast is in the context of the game.

How to Sign "Bomb"
Start with both hands in 'S' handshapes (fists) in front of your chest. Bring your dominant fist down to strike your non-dominant fist. Immediately after they touch, quickly move both hands outward and upward while opening your fingers wide into '5' handshapes, mimicking a sudden explosion.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly visual and iconic. The initial fists coming together represent the solid object or the core of the explosive, while the sudden outward movement and opening of the fingers visually mimic the blast and expanding energy of an explosion.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for 'bomb' look natural, emphasize the sudden, explosive movement of your hands opening up. Adding a facial expression, like puffing your cheeks and mouthing 'boom,' really helps convey the impact and intensity of the explosion.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is keeping your hands too close together or not opening your fingers fully during the explosion part of the sign. Make sure your hands start as tight fists and burst open into wide '5' handshapes to clearly show the explosive action.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Bomb" in a Sentence
1

The bomb exploded loudly.

Sign 'bomb' with a large, forceful movement to show the explosion, then sign 'loud' by pointing to your ear and shaking your hands back and forth.

2

They found a bomb in the building.

Sign 'building', then 'find', and finally 'bomb'. Make sure to start the 'bomb' sign with tight fists before executing the explosive outward motion.

3

The video game features a bomb.

Sign 'video game', then use the sign for 'bomb'. You can adjust the size of the explosion motion to match how big the blast is in the context of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make a sound effect when signing 'bomb'?

You don't need to make a vocal sound, but it is very common to mouth the word 'boom' or puff your cheeks to visually represent the sound and force of the explosion.

Can I use this sign to say a movie 'bombed' or failed?

While you can use it playfully, ASL has specific signs for 'fail' or 'flop' that are much more commonly used when talking about a movie, test, or event that was unsuccessful.

Does it matter which hand is on top before the explosion?

Generally, your dominant hand should be the one that actively strikes or rests on top of the non-dominant hand just before both hands explode outward.

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