How to Sign "Cheater"
To sign *cheater*, begin by holding your non-dominant arm horizontally across your body with your hand in a loose fist. Next, form a 'horns' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index and pinky fingers while keeping your other fingers tucked in. Strike the index-finger side of your dominant hand against the side of your non-dominant arm, near the elbow. Finally, add the 'person' marker by changing both hands to flat handshapes with palms facing each other, and moving them straight down in front of your body.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for *cheater* is a compound of two distinct concepts. The first part, *cheat*, visually represents the idea of breaking the rules, cutting corners, or being deceitful, with the dominant hand glancing off the non-dominant arm in a sneaky or evasive motion. The second part is the standard ASL 'person' marker (also known as the agent suffix). By moving two flat hands downward, you are outlining the sides of a human body, effectively changing the action of cheating into the person who performs it.
Signing Tips
For a clear and natural sign, ensure the strike against your non-dominant arm is a distinct, glancing motion rather than a hard hit. The movement should be relatively quick and deliberate. When transitioning to the 'person' marker, smoothly change your handshapes and keep your hands parallel as they move straight down. This fluid transition helps the two parts of the sign feel like a single, cohesive concept. Keep your facial expressions aligned with the context, as cheating usually carries a negative connotation.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is forgetting to add the 'person' marker at the end of the sign. Without this downward motion of the flat hands, you are simply signing the verb *cheat* instead of the noun *cheater*. Additionally, be careful with your dominant handshape; ensure you are using the 'horns' handshape (index and pinky extended) rather than a 'V' handshape. Striking the arm too hard or in the wrong place can also make the sign look unnatural, so aim for a light, glancing touch near the elbow.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Cheater" in a Sentence
1He is a known cheater in card games.
Use this sign to describe someone who breaks the rules to gain an unfair advantage in a game or competition. Remember to include the person marker at the end.
2The teacher caught the cheater during the math test.
This sign is perfectly suited for discussing academic dishonesty. The addition of the person marker clarifies that you are referring to the student who cheated, rather than the act itself.
3She broke up with him because he was a cheater.
You can use this sign to refer to someone who has been unfaithful in a romantic relationship. The context of your sentence will make the specific type of cheating clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between signing *cheat* and *cheater*?
The sign for the verb *cheat* only includes the first part of the motion, where your dominant hand strikes your non-dominant arm. To sign the noun *cheater*, you must add the 'person' marker at the end by moving both flat hands downward to indicate an individual.
Can this sign be used for cheating in a romantic relationship?
Yes, this sign is versatile and can be used for cheating in games, on school tests, or in romantic relationships. Your context and facial expressions will help clarify the specific type of deceit you are referring to.
Does my non-dominant hand have to be in a fist?
No, the handshape of your non-dominant hand is not strictly important for this sign. While a loose fist is common and comfortable, you can also use a flat hand or a relaxed hand. The crucial part is the 'horns' handshape of your dominant hand.
Related ASL Signs
