Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Cheated"

To sign 'cheated' (or 'cheat'), hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form a 'horns' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index and pinky fingers while keeping the others curled. Place your dominant hand on top of your non-dominant hand and slide it forward.

Examples Using "Cheated" in a Sentence

1

He cheated on the math test.

Sign 'HE', 'CHEAT', 'MATH', 'TEST'. Since ASL relies on context for tense, you can add 'FINISH' after 'CHEAT' to emphasize that the action has already been completed.

2

I feel like I was cheated.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'FEEL', and then sign 'CHEAT'. Be sure to use a disappointed or frustrated facial expression to convey the negative emotion of being wronged.

3

Please don't cheat when we play games.

Sign 'PLEASE', 'NOT', 'CHEAT', 'PLAY', 'GAME'. Keep your movements sharp and clear, and shake your head slightly when signing 'NOT' to emphasize the rule.

How to Sign "Cheated"
To sign 'cheated' (or 'cheat'), hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form a 'horns' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index and pinky fingers while keeping the others curled. Place your dominant hand on top of your non-dominant hand and slide it forward.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The visual motivation behind this sign is quite expressive. In ASL, the 'horns' handshape is occasionally used to represent negative, mischievous, or deceitful concepts, sharing a handshape with signs like 'devil' or 'mock.' The physical action of the dominant hand sliding over the back of the non-dominant hand visually suggests doing something underhanded, sneaky, or bypassing the established rules. It paints a picture of someone slipping something by unnoticed, perfectly capturing the essence of cheating.
Signing Tips
Focus on keeping your non-dominant hand perfectly still as a base while your dominant hand does the moving. The forward sliding motion of the dominant hand should be deliberate and smooth. Because ASL does not use English word endings like '-ed', the base sign is the same for 'cheat' and 'cheated'. To specifically indicate the past tense, you can either rely on the established time context of your conversation or sign 'FINISH' immediately after.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using the 'Y' handshape—extending the thumb and pinky—instead of the correct 'horns' handshape, which requires the index and pinky fingers to be extended. Another common error is moving both hands simultaneously during the sign. Remember that your non-dominant hand acts as a stationary surface, and only the dominant hand should slide forward. Finally, don't forget your facial expressions; signing 'cheated' usually warrants a negative look.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Cheated" in a Sentence
1

He cheated on the math test.

Sign 'HE', 'CHEAT', 'MATH', 'TEST'. Since ASL relies on context for tense, you can add 'FINISH' after 'CHEAT' to emphasize that the action has already been completed.

2

I feel like I was cheated.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'FEEL', and then sign 'CHEAT'. Be sure to use a disappointed or frustrated facial expression to convey the negative emotion of being wronged.

3

Please don't cheat when we play games.

Sign 'PLEASE', 'NOT', 'CHEAT', 'PLAY', 'GAME'. Keep your movements sharp and clear, and shake your head slightly when signing 'NOT' to emphasize the rule.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I show that 'cheated' happened in the past?

In ASL, verbs aren't conjugated with '-ed' endings. Instead, you establish the past tense by mentioning a time (like 'YESTERDAY') at the beginning of your sentence, or by signing 'FINISH' immediately after the verb to show completion.

Does this sign mean cheating on a test or cheating in a relationship?

This sign is versatile and can be used for both! You can use it to describe cheating on a school exam, cheating in a board game, or being unfaithful in a romantic relationship. The context of your sentence will make the exact meaning clear.

Can I use a 'V' handshape instead of the 'horns' handshape?

No, using a 'V' handshape (index and middle fingers extended) changes the meaning entirely and might confuse the person you are signing with. It's important to use the 'horns' handshape (index and pinky fingers extended) to clearly communicate the concept of cheating.

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