How to Sign "Dick"
to sign 'dick', press all the fingertips of the dominant hand together, leaving the index finger extended. this will make the d hand shape. bring the hand up and press the fingertips against the tip of the nose.
Examples Using "Dick" in a Sentence
1
My uncle's name is Dick.
Sign 'MY UNCLE NAME', then form the 'D' handshape and press your clustered fingertips against the tip of your nose to sign 'Dick'.
2
Dick is coming over for dinner.
Start by signing the name 'Dick' by touching your 'D' handshape to your nose, followed by the signs for 'COME' and 'DINNER'.
3
I need to call Dick later.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'NEED CALL', and finish with the 'D' handshape at your nose for 'Dick', followed by 'LATER'.
How to Sign "Dick"
to sign 'dick', press all the fingertips of the dominant hand together, leaving the index finger extended. this will make the d hand shape. bring the hand up and press the fingertips against the tip of the nose.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a traditional initialized name sign. It takes the first letter of the name 'Dick' (the ASL 'D' handshape) and places it at a specific location on the face (the tip of the nose). In Deaf culture, name signs are often created by combining a manual alphabet letter with a location on the body, making it much quicker to reference someone than fingerspelling their full name every time.
Signing Tips
When forming the 'D' handshape, make sure your index finger points straight up while the other fingers curve to meet your thumb. Keep your movement deliberate and gentle when pressing your fingertips to the tip of your nose. Since this is a name sign, it is often helpful to mouth the name 'Dick' to provide clear context to the person you are signing with.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the 'R' handshape instead of the 'D' handshape, which would change the name to Richard. Another frequent error is tapping the side of the extended index finger against the nose rather than pressing the clustered fingertips to the tip of the nose as described. Make sure your index finger remains pointing straight up and away from your face.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Dick" in a Sentence
1My uncle's name is Dick.
Sign 'MY UNCLE NAME', then form the 'D' handshape and press your clustered fingertips against the tip of your nose to sign 'Dick'.
2Dick is coming over for dinner.
Start by signing the name 'Dick' by touching your 'D' handshape to your nose, followed by the signs for 'COME' and 'DINNER'.
3I need to call Dick later.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'NEED CALL', and finish with the 'D' handshape at your nose for 'Dick', followed by 'LATER'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign used for the word 'dictionary'?
No, the sign for 'dictionary' uses a 'D' handshape but is placed on the palm of your non-dominant hand. The sign described here, with the 'D' handshape at the nose, is specifically used as a name sign for the name 'Dick'.
Can I use this sign for anyone named Dick?
While this is a common initialized name sign for people named Dick, name signs are highly personal in Deaf culture. If a Deaf person named Dick introduces themselves with a different name sign, you should always use the specific sign they give you.
Do I tap my nose multiple times?
Usually, a single, deliberate press of the fingertips to the tip of the nose is sufficient for this name sign. However, some signers might use a slight double tap depending on their personal signing style or the natural rhythm of the sentence.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!