How to Sign "Booze"

To sign 'booze', form both hands into a 'horns' handshape by extending your index and pinky fingers while curling your middle and ring fingers under your thumbs. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the palm facing inward and the index finger pointing up. Position your dominant hand just above it in the same orientation. Finally, bring your dominant hand down to tap its pinky finger against the index finger of your non-dominant hand twice.

Examples Using "Booze" in a Sentence

1

We need to buy booze for the party.

Sign 'party', then use the sign for 'booze', followed by 'buy' to explain what you are getting for the event.

2

I don't drink booze.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'drink', then 'booze', while shaking your head to clearly indicate the negative.

3

Where do they sell booze?

Sign 'booze', 'sell', and then 'where' while furrowing your eyebrows to show you are asking a 'wh-' question.

How to Sign "Booze"
To sign 'booze', form both hands into a 'horns' handshape by extending your index and pinky fingers while curling your middle and ring fingers under your thumbs. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the palm facing inward and the index finger pointing up. Position your dominant hand just above it in the same orientation. Finally, bring your dominant hand down to tap its pinky finger against the index finger of your non-dominant hand twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The extended fingers of the handshapes visually represent the shape of bottles, tall glasses, or the general concept of a drink. Tapping the hands together mimics the familiar, celebratory action of clinking glasses during a toast.
Signing Tips
Keep your non-dominant hand steady as a base while your dominant hand performs the tapping motion. Ensure your index and pinky fingers are clearly extended so the sign isn't confused with others. The tapping motion should be light, controlled, and distinctly repeated twice.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is tapping the knuckles together instead of tapping the dominant pinky to the non-dominant index finger. Another frequent error is moving both hands up and down rather than keeping the bottom hand completely stationary.
Regional Variations
While this version uses the 'horns' handshape (index and pinky extended), you will also commonly see 'booze' signed using the 'Y' handshape (thumb and pinky extended) or the 'I' handshape (only pinkies extended). The tapping movement remains the same across these variations.
Examples Using "Booze" in a Sentence
1

We need to buy booze for the party.

Sign 'party', then use the sign for 'booze', followed by 'buy' to explain what you are getting for the event.

2

I don't drink booze.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'drink', then 'booze', while shaking your head to clearly indicate the negative.

3

Where do they sell booze?

Sign 'booze', 'sell', and then 'where' while furrowing your eyebrows to show you are asking a 'wh-' question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'booze' the same as 'alcohol'?

Yes, this sign is used interchangeably for 'booze', 'alcohol', and 'liquor' in ASL. The context of your conversation will make the specific meaning clear.

Which hand should be on top?

Your dominant hand should always be the one on top performing the tapping motion, while your non-dominant hand acts as the stationary base.

Do I tap once or twice?

The sign typically uses a double tap. Tapping twice clearly establishes the noun form for 'booze' or 'alcohol', distinguishing it from a single, accidental motion.

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