How to Sign "Boyfriend"
The sign 'boyfriend' combines two signs. Relax the dominant hand with the thumb beneath the other fingers. Bring the hand up to the forehead and tap the thumb against the underside of the other fingers, like gripping a ballcap. This will make the sign 'boy'. the sign 'friend' uses both hands. Make both hands into fists leaving the index fingers extended. Bend both index fingers to create the X hand shape. Press the inner second knuckles of the index fingers together where the dominant hand is on top. Then, rotate the hands so the knuckles are pressed together again, but this time, the non-dominant hand is on top.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This is a classic compound sign in ASL. The first part, 'boy,' visually originates from the action of a young man grabbing the brim of a baseball cap. The second part, 'friend,' visually represents two people linking together, shown by the interlocking bent index fingers. Combined, they literally translate to the concept of a romantic 'boy friend.'
Signing Tips
Focus on a smooth transition between the two parts of this compound sign. You do not need to pause between 'boy' and 'friend'. As your dominant hand leaves your forehead from the 'boy' sign, immediately form the X handshape to meet your non-dominant hand for the 'friend' sign. Keep the motion fluid and relaxed.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the 'boy' sign too low on the face or doing the 'friend' sign with straight fingers instead of bent ones. Ensure the 'boy' part happens at the forehead, and remember to bend your index fingers into the X handshape for the 'friend' portion. Also, don't forget to alternate which hand is on top!
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Boyfriend" in a Sentence
1My boyfriend is coming over later.
Sign 'my', then perform the compound sign for 'boyfriend' by tapping your forehead like grabbing a cap, immediately linking your bent index fingers. Finish with the signs for 'come' and 'later'.
2Do you have a boyfriend?
Raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question. Point to the person for 'you', sign 'have', and then smoothly transition from the forehead 'boy' sign into the interlocking 'friend' sign.
3Her boyfriend is very tall.
Point to your side to indicate 'her', sign 'boyfriend' by doing the cap-grab motion and then pressing your X handshape knuckles together twice, and finish with the sign for 'tall'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for a platonic male friend?
No, the compound sign 'boyfriend' specifically implies a romantic relationship. If you are talking about a male friend platonically, you should sign 'boy' and then 'friend' as two distinct, separate concepts with a slight pause, or simply just sign 'friend' and let context explain the rest.
Which hand should be on top first for the 'friend' part?
Always start with your dominant hand on top for the first tap. After pressing the knuckles together, rotate your wrists so that your non-dominant hand is on top for the second tap.
Do I need to do the full sign for 'friend' every time?
As a beginner, it is best to practice the full sign where you tap the interlocking fingers twice, alternating hands. In very fast, casual conversation, fluent signers might shorten the 'friend' portion to a single tap, but the full two-tap motion is the most accurate and clear.
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