How to Sign "Cheese"
The sign 'cheese' uses both hands. Relax both hands so they are flat. Bring the hands together so the dominant palm is on top of the non-dominant palm, but the fingers aren't touching. Mash the palms together.
Examples Using "Cheese" in a Sentence
1
I want extra cheese.
Sign 'I', 'want', 'extra', and then perform the 'cheese' sign by mashing your dominant palm on top of your non-dominant palm. Keep your facial expression positive to show you want it!
2
Do you like cheese?
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'like', and then sign 'cheese'. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, as this is a yes/no question.
3
We need to buy cheese.
Sign 'we', 'need', 'buy', and finish with the mashing motion of 'cheese'. Ensure your non-dominant hand stays still while your dominant hand does the work.
How to Sign "Cheese"
The sign 'cheese' uses both hands. Relax both hands so they are flat. Bring the hands together so the dominant palm is on top of the non-dominant palm, but the fingers aren't touching. Mash the palms together.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'cheese' is highly iconic and rooted in the traditional methods of making or preparing cheese. The mashing, twisting motion of the palms visually represents pressing moisture out of cheese curds during the cheese-making process. It also closely resembles the everyday action of grating a block of cheese or rolling a small piece of cheese between your hands.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for 'cheese' look natural, focus the movement entirely on the heels of your palms. Keep your hands relaxed and flat, ensuring your fingers point in opposite directions so they don't get tangled. The motion should be a firm, twisting rub, almost like you are pressing something small between your hands. Make sure your non-dominant hand stays relatively still as a base.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake is interlocking the fingers or letting the fingers rub together. Remember, only the palms should be touching! Another mistake is using closed fists instead of keeping the hands flat and relaxed. Finally, make sure you aren't just clapping your hands; the movement requires a twisting, mashing friction between the palms.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Cheese" in a Sentence
1I want extra cheese.
Sign 'I', 'want', 'extra', and then perform the 'cheese' sign by mashing your dominant palm on top of your non-dominant palm. Keep your facial expression positive to show you want it!
2Do you like cheese?
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'like', and then sign 'cheese'. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, as this is a yes/no question.
3We need to buy cheese.
Sign 'we', 'need', 'buy', and finish with the mashing motion of 'cheese'. Ensure your non-dominant hand stays still while your dominant hand does the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hand should be on top?
Your dominant hand should always be on top. Your non-dominant hand acts as a flat, stable base, while your dominant hand performs the mashing motion.
Do my fingers touch during this sign?
No, your fingers should not touch. Keep your hands flat but angled so that only the palms are making contact and mashing together.
How many times should I twist my palm?
Typically, you should twist or mash your palms together two or three times. It should be a quick, deliberate motion rather than a continuous rubbing.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!