How to Sign "Dyke"

To sign this word, form an 'L' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index finger straight up and your thumb out to the side. Bring your hand to your face and gently tap the tip of your thumb against your chin. Your palm should be facing sideways. Note that this is the exact same sign used for the word 'lesbian' in ASL.

Examples Using "Dyke" in a Sentence

1

She is proud to be a dyke.

Sign 'she', 'proud', and then use the 'L' handshape on the chin for 'dyke'.

2

Are you going to the dyke march?

Sign 'you', 'go', 'dyke', and 'march', making sure to raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

3

Many dykes attended the festival.

Sign 'many', 'dyke', 'attend', and 'festival' to express this sentence clearly.

How to Sign "Dyke"
To sign this word, form an 'L' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index finger straight up and your thumb out to the side. Bring your hand to your face and gently tap the tip of your thumb against your chin. Your palm should be facing sideways. Note that this is the exact same sign used for the word 'lesbian' in ASL.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is an initialized sign that uses the 'L' handshape, originally standing for 'lesbian', placed on the chin. While the English word 'dyke' has its own distinct cultural history, ASL often uses this single, widely recognized sign to represent both terms, relying on context or mouthings to distinguish them.
Signing Tips
Focus on keeping your index finger pointing straight up while your thumb makes contact with your chin. Using the tip of the thumb (or alternatively, the tip of the index finger) is considered the most respectful and standard way to produce this sign in the modern Deaf community.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is pressing the entire crook of the 'L' shape—the space between the thumb and index finger—against the chin. This older variation is often considered outdated or even impolite, so it is best to stick to using just the tip of the thumb.
Regional Variations
While the 'L' on the chin is universally understood, some signers may choose to fingerspell D-Y-K-E to specifically emphasize the English word, especially in reclaimed or political contexts like a 'Dyke March'.
Examples Using "Dyke" in a Sentence
1

She is proud to be a dyke.

Sign 'she', 'proud', and then use the 'L' handshape on the chin for 'dyke'.

2

Are you going to the dyke march?

Sign 'you', 'go', 'dyke', and 'march', making sure to raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

3

Many dykes attended the festival.

Sign 'many', 'dyke', 'attend', and 'festival' to express this sentence clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'dyke' the same as 'lesbian'?

Yes, in ASL, the standard sign for 'lesbian' is typically used to mean 'dyke' as well. If a signer wants to emphasize the specific English word, they might choose to fingerspell D-Y-K-E instead.

Is this sign considered offensive?

The sign itself is the standard, neutral ASL word for 'lesbian'. However, because the English word 'dyke' has a complex history, you should be mindful of the context and the preferences of the people you are signing with.

Can I touch my chin with my index finger instead?

Yes! Tapping the chin with the tip of the index finger (while keeping the 'L' shape) is a very common and respectful variation of this sign that many signers prefer.

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