How to Sign "Boo"

To sign "boo" (expressing disapproval), form a "thumbs down" handshape with your dominant hand. Start with your hand raised slightly in front of you, then thrust it forward and downward. As you make this motion, it is important to use a strong facial expression of disapproval and mouth the word "boo".

Examples Using "Boo" in a Sentence

1

The crowd started to boo the referee.

Sign "boo" by thrusting your thumbs-down handshape forward, perhaps repeating it or using both hands to represent a large crowd expressing their disapproval.

2

Don't boo him, he tried his best.

Use a negative headshake before signing "boo" to tell someone not to express their disapproval.

3

I wanted to boo when the villain appeared.

Sign "boo" with a strong, exaggerated facial expression to show your strong dislike for the character on screen.

How to Sign "Boo"
To sign "boo" (expressing disapproval), form a "thumbs down" handshape with your dominant hand. Start with your hand raised slightly in front of you, then thrust it forward and downward. As you make this motion, it is important to use a strong facial expression of disapproval and mouth the word "boo".
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, borrowing from the universally recognized "thumbs down" gesture used to express rejection or disapproval, combined with the natural forward thrust of projecting your voice.
Signing Tips
Facial expression is just as important as the hand movement for this sign. Make sure to furrow your eyebrows, show a clear look of disapproval, and mouth the word "boo" to convey the right emotion.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is signing this with a blank or neutral facial expression. Without the disapproving face and the mouthing of "boo", the sign might just look like a generic "thumbs down" or be confused with the sign for "bad".
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Boo" in a Sentence
1

The crowd started to boo the referee.

Sign "boo" by thrusting your thumbs-down handshape forward, perhaps repeating it or using both hands to represent a large crowd expressing their disapproval.

2

Don't boo him, he tried his best.

Use a negative headshake before signing "boo" to tell someone not to express their disapproval.

3

I wanted to boo when the villain appeared.

Sign "boo" with a strong, exaggerated facial expression to show your strong dislike for the character on screen.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for a ghost saying 'boo'?

No, this sign is specifically for expressing disapproval, like a crowd booing a bad performance. For a ghost trying to scare someone, you would use a different sign, such as the sign for "scare" or "surprise".

Do I need to mouth the word 'boo'?

Yes, mouthing "boo" is highly recommended. It helps clarify the meaning and distinguishes it from other signs or gestures that use a thumbs-down motion.

Can I use two hands to sign 'boo'?

Absolutely! If you want to show a stronger level of disapproval or represent a whole crowd booing, you can use both hands simultaneously to perform the thumbs-down motion.

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