How to Sign "Boy"
To make the sign boy, take your dominant hand in the open flattened O handshape in front of your forehead. Then you want to close your hand and pull away to your dominant side while closing.
Examples Using "Boy" in a Sentence
1
The boy is my friend.
Start by signing 'boy' at your forehead, closing your hand as you pull away. Then point to the person, sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, and finish with the sign for 'friend'.
2
Where is the little boy?
Sign 'boy' first by making the cap-grabbing motion at your forehead. Then, sign 'where' by shaking your dominant index finger back and forth while furrowing your eyebrows to show it is a question.
3
He is a smart boy.
Point to the person to establish 'he', sign 'smart' by touching your middle finger to your forehead and flicking it outward, and then sign 'boy' using the flattened 'O' handshape.
How to Sign "Boy"
To make the sign boy, take your dominant hand in the open flattened O handshape in front of your forehead. Then you want to close your hand and pull away to your dominant side while closing.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'boy' is highly iconic and rooted in traditional clothing. The handshape and movement directly mimic the action of grabbing the stiff front brim of a baseball cap and giving it a slight tug. Over time, this simple, recognizable gesture became the standardized ASL sign for a young male.
Signing Tips
To make your sign look natural, think about the actual motion of grabbing the brim of a baseball cap. Start with your fingers and thumb apart in an open flattened 'O' shape right at your forehead. As you pull your hand away to the side, smoothly bring your fingertips and thumb together. Keep the motion crisp and confined to the upper half of your face.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is placing this sign too low on the face. Remember that in ASL, masculine signs belong on the upper half of the face (near the forehead), while feminine signs are on the lower half (near the chin). Additionally, make sure your hand actually closes as you pull it away; keeping it open can make the sign look sloppy or confusing.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Boy" in a Sentence
1The boy is my friend.
Start by signing 'boy' at your forehead, closing your hand as you pull away. Then point to the person, sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, and finish with the sign for 'friend'.
2Where is the little boy?
Sign 'boy' first by making the cap-grabbing motion at your forehead. Then, sign 'where' by shaking your dominant index finger back and forth while furrowing your eyebrows to show it is a question.
3He is a smart boy.
Point to the person to establish 'he', sign 'smart' by touching your middle finger to your forehead and flicking it outward, and then sign 'boy' using the flattened 'O' handshape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do male signs start at the forehead?
In ASL, the face is divided into gendered zones to help organize vocabulary. The upper half of the face, specifically the forehead, is used for masculine signs like 'boy', 'father', and 'brother'. The lower half, near the chin, is used for feminine signs.
Do I have to physically touch my forehead?
You do not have to make firm contact. Lightly brushing your forehead or starting just a fraction of an inch in front of it is completely acceptable. The most important part is the location and the closing motion of the hand.
How is 'boy' different from 'man'?
While both are masculine signs located at the forehead, 'boy' uses a closing motion like grabbing a cap brim. 'Man' typically uses an open '5' handshape, starting with the thumb at the forehead and moving down to touch the center of the chest.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!