Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Dinosaur"

Bend your non-dominant hand at the elbow so your forearm is laying flat across the front of your body, palm facing down. With your dominant hand, bring all four fingertips to the tip of your thumb, creating a tear-drop shape (this represents the dinosaur's head). Bend your dominant arm at the elbow, and rest your elbow on top of your non-dominant hand. Bob "the head" through the air, like a dinosaur eating from the trees.

Examples Using "Dinosaur" in a Sentence

1

My favorite dinosaur is the T-Rex.

Sign 'favorite,' then sign 'dinosaur' by resting your dominant elbow on your non-dominant hand and bobbing your pinched fingers like a long-necked dinosaur. Finish the sentence by fingerspelling T-R-E-X.

2

The dinosaur is very big.

First, set up the subject by signing 'dinosaur' with your dominant elbow resting on your flat non-dominant arm, bobbing the 'head.' Then, sign 'big' while using a facial expression that shows immense size.

3

Did you see the dinosaur movie?

Point to the person for 'you,' sign 'see,' then sign 'dinosaur' by bobbing your dominant hand in the teardrop shape over your resting arm. Finally, sign 'movie' and raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Dinosaur"
Bend your non-dominant hand at the elbow so your forearm is laying flat across the front of your body, palm facing down. With your dominant hand, bring all four fingertips to the tip of your thumb, creating a tear-drop shape (this represents the dinosaur's head). Bend your dominant arm at the elbow, and rest your elbow on top of your non-dominant hand. Bob "the head" through the air, like a dinosaur eating from the trees.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents exactly what it stands for. The dominant arm acts as the long neck of a dinosaur, like a Brachiosaurus or Apatosaurus, while the pinched fingers represent its head and mouth. The non-dominant arm serves as the ground or the body's base. The bobbing motion perfectly mimics the way we imagine these massive, long-necked creatures moving their heads to eat leaves from the tops of tall trees.
Signing Tips
To make your sign look natural, focus on the movement of the 'head.' The teardrop shape made by your dominant hand should bob up and down smoothly, mimicking a long-necked dinosaur foraging for leaves. Keep your non-dominant arm steady as a resting surface for your elbow, which acts as the ground or base for the dinosaur's body. Adding a slight swaying motion to the neck can make the sign feel more animated and expressive.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is moving the entire dominant arm from the shoulder rather than pivoting at the elbow and wrist. Remember, your dominant elbow should stay firmly planted on the back of your non-dominant hand. Another common error is using a tight fist instead of the teardrop shape; make sure all four fingertips are touching the tip of your thumb to clearly represent the dinosaur's head.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Dinosaur" in a Sentence
1

My favorite dinosaur is the T-Rex.

Sign 'favorite,' then sign 'dinosaur' by resting your dominant elbow on your non-dominant hand and bobbing your pinched fingers like a long-necked dinosaur. Finish the sentence by fingerspelling T-R-E-X.

2

The dinosaur is very big.

First, set up the subject by signing 'dinosaur' with your dominant elbow resting on your flat non-dominant arm, bobbing the 'head.' Then, sign 'big' while using a facial expression that shows immense size.

3

Did you see the dinosaur movie?

Point to the person for 'you,' sign 'see,' then sign 'dinosaur' by bobbing your dominant hand in the teardrop shape over your resting arm. Finally, sign 'movie' and raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sign apply to all types of dinosaurs?

Yes, this long-necked sign is the general, widely accepted sign for 'dinosaur' as a whole category. While some people might mimic specific dinosaurs in casual storytelling, this specific sign is the standard vocabulary word for any dinosaur.

Do I have to open and close my fingers while bobbing?

No, you should keep your fingertips touching your thumb in a closed teardrop shape. The movement comes from bobbing your wrist and arm to represent the head moving, rather than the mouth opening and closing.

Which arm should be on the bottom?

Your non-dominant arm should be the one laying flat across your body to act as the base. Your dominant arm (the hand you write with) should be the one resting on top and acting as the dinosaur's moving neck and head.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!