How to Sign "Drug"

To sign 'drug', hold your non-dominant arm across your lower chest. Form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your thumb extended. Tap your extended thumb against the crook of your non-dominant arm (the inside of the elbow) twice. This sign typically refers to illicit drugs.

Examples Using "Drug" in a Sentence

1

The police found drugs in the car.

Sign 'police', 'find', and then tap your inner elbow for 'drug' before signing 'inside car'.

2

He wants to stop using drugs.

Sign 'he', 'want', 'stop', and finish with the arm-tapping sign for 'drug'.

3

Drugs are very dangerous.

Start with the sign for 'drug' by tapping your inner elbow, then sign 'very dangerous'.

How to Sign "Drug"
To sign 'drug', hold your non-dominant arm across your lower chest. Form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your thumb extended. Tap your extended thumb against the crook of your non-dominant arm (the inside of the elbow) twice. This sign typically refers to illicit drugs.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, visually representing the action of using a syringe to inject a substance into a vein at the crook of the arm.
Signing Tips
Make sure your dominant hand forms a clear 'A' handshape with the thumb pointing out. Tap the inside of your elbow gently but visibly. Keep your facial expression appropriate for the serious context of the conversation.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use this sign when talking about prescription medication. Remember that tapping the arm implies illicit drugs or injected substances. For pharmacy medication or pills, always use the sign for 'medicine' instead.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Drug" in a Sentence
1

The police found drugs in the car.

Sign 'police', 'find', and then tap your inner elbow for 'drug' before signing 'inside car'.

2

He wants to stop using drugs.

Sign 'he', 'want', 'stop', and finish with the arm-tapping sign for 'drug'.

3

Drugs are very dangerous.

Start with the sign for 'drug' by tapping your inner elbow, then sign 'very dangerous'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for Tylenol or prescription pills?

No, this sign is generally reserved for illicit drugs or injected substances. For over-the-counter or prescription pills, you should use the sign for 'medicine' (rubbing your middle finger on your opposite palm).

Which arm should I tap?

You should hold your non-dominant arm across your body and tap it with your dominant hand. Right-handed signers will tap their left arm with their right thumb.

How many times do I tap my arm?

For the noun 'drug', tap the crook of your arm twice. A single, more pronounced tap is sometimes used to emphasize the verb action of injecting.

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