How to Sign "Crazy"
Take your dominant hand is the "d" handshape with your palm facing your head. The swirl your finger in a circle around your temple. While making a crazy face.
Examples Using "Crazy" in a Sentence
1
That rollercoaster was crazy!
To sign this, you would sign 'rollercoaster' and then 'crazy'. Make sure to exaggerate your swirling motion and facial expression to show just how wild and intense the ride was.
2
Are you crazy?
Point to the person you are asking, then sign 'crazy'. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to keep your eyebrows raised and lean forward slightly while signing.
3
My dog is acting crazy.
Sign 'my', 'dog', 'act', and then 'crazy'. Use a silly or exasperated facial expression to match exactly what kind of chaotic energy your dog is displaying.
How to Sign "Crazy"
Take your dominant hand is the "d" handshape with your palm facing your head. The swirl your finger in a circle around your temple. While making a crazy face.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and relies on a visual metaphor. The temple is universally associated with the brain and thinking. By swirling your index finger in a chaotic circle near your head, you are visually representing thoughts that are scrambled, mixed up, or spinning out of control.
Signing Tips
To make this sign look natural, keep your wrist loose so the swirling motion of your 'D' handshape is smooth. The circle doesn't need to be huge; a small, continuous swirl right next to your temple is perfect. Most importantly, don't hold back on your facial expression! Let your eyes widen or scrunch up your face to match the intensity of the word.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is keeping a blank, neutral face. Without the 'crazy' facial expression, the sign loses its meaning and emotional impact. Another mistake is physically poking or dragging the finger on the side of the head, rather than letting it swirl smoothly in the air just beside the temple.
Regional Variations
While the swirling 'D' handshape is widely understood, you may also see people sign 'crazy' by placing a clawed '5' handshape near the side of their head and twisting their wrist back and forth.
Examples Using "Crazy" in a Sentence
1That rollercoaster was crazy!
To sign this, you would sign 'rollercoaster' and then 'crazy'. Make sure to exaggerate your swirling motion and facial expression to show just how wild and intense the ride was.
2Are you crazy?
Point to the person you are asking, then sign 'crazy'. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to keep your eyebrows raised and lean forward slightly while signing.
3My dog is acting crazy.
Sign 'my', 'dog', 'act', and then 'crazy'. Use a silly or exasperated facial expression to match exactly what kind of chaotic energy your dog is displaying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I actually touch my temple while signing this?
No, you don't need to make physical contact. Keep your 'D' handshape just an inch or two away from the side of your head while you make the swirling motion.
Can I use this sign to say I am 'crazy about' a band or food?
It is better to use the specific ASL sign for 'crazy about' (or 'obsessed'), which uses a different handshape. The swirling 'D' sign is best used for literal craziness, wild situations, or silly behavior.
Does it matter which direction I swirl my finger?
Generally, the direction of the swirl does not change the meaning of the sign. Most signers naturally swirl their finger backward (away from the face) or in whatever continuous circular motion feels most comfortable to their wrist.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!