How to Sign "Cool"
to sign 'cool', splay the fingers of the dominant hand. bring the hand to the chest, resting the thumb against the sternum. wiggle the fingers of the hand at different times.
Examples Using "Cool" in a Sentence
1
That new movie looks really cool!
Sign 'movie', then use the 'cool' sign by placing the thumb of your dominant hand on your chest and wiggling your fingers. Add an enthusiastic facial expression to show how awesome you think the movie is.
2
I like your shoes, they are cool.
Point to the person, sign 'shoes', and then execute the 'cool' sign on your chest. Make sure your fingers wiggle independently rather than opening and closing all at once to keep the movement natural.
3
It's cool that you are learning ASL.
Sign 'learn ASL', then use the 'cool' sign. Keep your thumb anchored to your sternum while wiggling your fingers to emphasize your positive, impressed reaction to their new skill.
How to Sign "Cool"
to sign 'cool', splay the fingers of the dominant hand. bring the hand to the chest, resting the thumb against the sternum. wiggle the fingers of the hand at different times.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'cool' (meaning awesome or neat) is visually motivated by a feeling of bubbling excitement or something standing out. The wiggling fingers on the chest represent a lively, positive energy or a fancy flair radiating from the signer. Over time, this gesture evolved in ASL slang to represent something stylish, impressive, or highly agreeable, much like how the English word 'cool' shifted from meaning a low temperature to describing something excellent.
Signing Tips
To make your sign for 'cool' look natural, ensure your thumb stays firmly planted on your chest while the other four fingers do all the work. Let your fingers wiggle randomly and loosely, similar to playing a piano or a flute, rather than moving them all together in a stiff waving motion. Always pair this sign with an expressive face—if you think something is really cool, your eyebrows should go up and you should have an impressed look!
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is confusing this sign with the sign for 'fine.' While both use the splayed handshape with the thumb on the chest, 'fine' involves tapping the chest with the thumb, whereas 'cool' requires the thumb to stay still while the fingers wiggle. Another major mistake is using this sign to mean 'cold' weather; this specific sign is only used for slang, meaning 'awesome' or 'neat.'
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Cool" in a Sentence
1That new movie looks really cool!
Sign 'movie', then use the 'cool' sign by placing the thumb of your dominant hand on your chest and wiggling your fingers. Add an enthusiastic facial expression to show how awesome you think the movie is.
2I like your shoes, they are cool.
Point to the person, sign 'shoes', and then execute the 'cool' sign on your chest. Make sure your fingers wiggle independently rather than opening and closing all at once to keep the movement natural.
3It's cool that you are learning ASL.
Sign 'learn ASL', then use the 'cool' sign. Keep your thumb anchored to your sternum while wiggling your fingers to emphasize your positive, impressed reaction to their new skill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to say the weather is cool?
No, this specific sign is used as slang to mean 'awesome,' 'neat,' or 'stylish.' If you want to talk about chilly weather or a cool temperature, you would use a completely different sign, which looks like fanning your face or shivering.
Do I wiggle all my fingers at the exact same time?
No, you should wiggle your fingers at different times, almost like you are playing the keys of a piano or a flute. Keep your thumb resting still against your sternum while the other four fingers flutter randomly.
Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'cool'?
You should always use your dominant hand for this sign. If you are right-handed, place your right thumb on your chest and wiggle your right fingers. If you are left-handed, use your left hand. Just make sure the movement is relaxed.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!