To sign condom, hold up your non-dominant hand in a '1' handshape, with the index finger pointing straight up. Take your dominant hand and wrap your fingers and thumb around the tip of your non-dominant index finger. Slide your dominant hand down the length of the index finger, mimicking the action of unrolling a condom.
Examples Using "Condom" in a Sentence
1
Do you have a condom?
Sign 'YOU HAVE CONDOM?' while raising your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward to indicate a yes/no question.
2
It is important to use a condom.
Sign 'IMPORTANT USE CONDOM.' Give a firm, affirming nod while signing 'important' to emphasize the statement.
3
The clinic provides free condoms.
Sign 'CLINIC GIVE-OUT FREE CONDOM.' Use a sweeping forward motion for 'give-out' to show the distribution of items to multiple people.
To sign condom, hold up your non-dominant hand in a '1' handshape, with the index finger pointing straight up. Take your dominant hand and wrap your fingers and thumb around the tip of your non-dominant index finger. Slide your dominant hand down the length of the index finger, mimicking the action of unrolling a condom.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic. It visually represents the physical action of unrolling a condom, with the upright index finger acting as a classifier for a phallus.
Signing Tips
Make sure your non-dominant index finger stays straight and firm throughout the sign. The movement of your dominant hand should be a smooth, single downward slide.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving the non-dominant finger instead of keeping it stationary. Ensure only the dominant hand moves downward while the non-dominant hand acts as a stable base.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Condom" in a Sentence
1
Do you have a condom?
Sign 'YOU HAVE CONDOM?' while raising your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward to indicate a yes/no question.
2
It is important to use a condom.
Sign 'IMPORTANT USE CONDOM.' Give a firm, affirming nod while signing 'important' to emphasize the statement.
3
The clinic provides free condoms.
Sign 'CLINIC GIVE-OUT FREE CONDOM.' Use a sweeping forward motion for 'give-out' to show the distribution of items to multiple people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign considered inappropriate to use in public?
The sign itself is a neutral, medical term. While the context of your conversation dictates its appropriateness, it is perfectly acceptable to use in educational, medical, or private settings.
Do I need to mouth the word 'condom' while signing?
Yes, it is helpful to mouth the word 'condom' to provide clear context. Because the sign uses a simple sliding motion, mouthing helps ensure it isn't confused with other classifier descriptions.
Can I use either hand as the base?
Typically, your non-dominant hand serves as the stationary base (the upright finger), while your dominant hand performs the sliding action. This follows standard ASL grammar rules for active and passive hands.
