Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Drunk"

To sign 'drunk', form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping the thumb extended slightly outward. Place the thumb near your mouth on one side of your face. Then, smoothly move your hand across your face to the opposite side, keeping the thumb pointed toward you. Your facial expression should match the concept, perhaps with a slight head tilt, drooping eyes, or relaxed features to indicate intoxication.

Examples Using "Drunk" in a Sentence

1

He got drunk at the party.

To sign this, you would first establish the subject by pointing to 'he', sign 'party', and then use the 'drunk' sign. Remember to sweep your 'A' handshape across your face while adding a slightly relaxed or dazed facial expression.

2

Please don't drive if you are drunk.

Start by signing 'please', then 'drive', followed by the negative 'don't'. Finish the sentence with the sign for 'drunk'. This is a great phrase to practice combining clear, firm facial expressions for the warning with the sign for intoxication.

3

I feel a little drunk.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'feel' by brushing your middle finger up your chest, sign 'a little', and then perform the 'drunk' sign. A slight head tilt will help emphasize the feeling of being just a bit tipsy.

How to Sign "Drunk"
To sign 'drunk', form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping the thumb extended slightly outward. Place the thumb near your mouth on one side of your face. Then, smoothly move your hand across your face to the opposite side, keeping the thumb pointed toward you. Your facial expression should match the concept, perhaps with a slight head tilt, drooping eyes, or relaxed features to indicate intoxication.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'drunk' is highly iconic and visually represents both the act of consuming alcohol and its physical effects. The 'A' handshape with the extended thumb mimics the action of holding a bottle or a small shot glass to the mouth. Meanwhile, the sweeping motion across the face visually suggests the disorienting, head-spinning, or blurry effect that intoxication has on a person's mind and vision. Together, these elements create a clear picture of being under the influence.
Signing Tips
When signing 'drunk', remember that your facial expression and body language are just as important as the hand movement. Let your eyes droop slightly, relax your facial muscles, or tilt your head to naturally convey the feeling of intoxication. Make sure your thumb stays pointed toward your face as your hand sweeps across. The speed of the sign can also indicate the level of intoxication—a slower, more exaggerated sweep implies being heavily drunk, while a quick sweep might mean just a little tipsy.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is moving the hand too far away from the face, which can make the sign look disconnected or confusing. Another frequent error is using a flat handshape or a 'C' handshape instead of the correct 'A' handshape. Keep the thumb close to your mouth as you sweep it across, and ensure your hand forms a solid 'A' shape. Additionally, forgetting to use a matching facial expression can make the sign feel robotic and less expressive.
Regional Variations
While the sweeping 'A' handshape is widely understood, some signers may use a 'Y' handshape (the sign for 'liquor' or 'alcohol') near the mouth. Others might use both hands with '5' handshapes moving in circles near the head to emphasize being heavily intoxicated or 'wasted'.
Examples Using "Drunk" in a Sentence
1

He got drunk at the party.

To sign this, you would first establish the subject by pointing to 'he', sign 'party', and then use the 'drunk' sign. Remember to sweep your 'A' handshape across your face while adding a slightly relaxed or dazed facial expression.

2

Please don't drive if you are drunk.

Start by signing 'please', then 'drive', followed by the negative 'don't'. Finish the sentence with the sign for 'drunk'. This is a great phrase to practice combining clear, firm facial expressions for the warning with the sign for intoxication.

3

I feel a little drunk.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'feel' by brushing your middle finger up your chest, sign 'a little', and then perform the 'drunk' sign. A slight head tilt will help emphasize the feeling of being just a bit tipsy.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign used for drinking water or juice?

No, the sign for 'drunk' specifically refers to alcohol intoxication. To sign drinking water or a regular beverage, you would use a 'C' handshape tipping up to your mouth, mimicking holding a standard cup.

Do I need to physically touch my face when signing 'drunk'?

You do not need to make physical contact with your face. Your thumb should stay close to your mouth and chin area as it sweeps across, but hovering just an inch or two away is perfectly fine and standard.

Can I use this sign to mean 'dizzy'?

While the physical feelings are related, 'dizzy' has its own distinct sign, usually made by circling the hands or fingers near the face or head. The sign for 'drunk' should be reserved specifically for being under the influence of alcohol.

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