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PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Eggplant"

Begin with both hands in flattened 'O' shapes in front of your chest, with your fingertips touching each other. Slowly pull your hands apart horizontally to the sides while maintaining the handshapes. This outward pulling motion visually traces the thick, elongated shape of an eggplant.

Examples Using "Eggplant" in a Sentence

1

I bought an eggplant at the store.

Sign 'store' and 'buy', then sign 'eggplant' by pulling your flattened 'O' hands apart to show its shape.

2

Do you like eating eggplant?

Point to the person, sign 'like', sign 'eat', and then sign 'eggplant' by tracing its oblong shape.

3

The eggplant is purple.

Sign 'eggplant' using the shape-tracing motion, then sign 'purple' by shaking a 'P' handshape.

How to Sign "Eggplant"
Begin with both hands in flattened 'O' shapes in front of your chest, with your fingertips touching each other. Slowly pull your hands apart horizontally to the sides while maintaining the handshapes. This outward pulling motion visually traces the thick, elongated shape of an eggplant.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a great example of a size and shape specifier in ASL. By using flattened 'O' hands and pulling them apart, you are visually tracing the thick, oblong, and slightly tapered physical shape of the vegetable.
Signing Tips
Keep the distance you pull your hands apart realistic to the size of an actual eggplant. If you stretch your arms too wide, it might look like you are describing a massive squash or a completely different object!
Common Mistakes
Using a round 'O' handshape or 'C' handshape instead of a flattened 'O'. The flattened 'O' is important because it represents the tapered, slightly pointed ends of the eggplant.
Regional Variations
Because there isn't one universally standardized sign for eggplant, it is very commonly fingerspelled (E-G-G-P-L-A-N-T). Some signers may also combine the signs for 'purple' and 'vegetable', or literally sign 'egg' followed by 'plant'.
Examples Using "Eggplant" in a Sentence
1

I bought an eggplant at the store.

Sign 'store' and 'buy', then sign 'eggplant' by pulling your flattened 'O' hands apart to show its shape.

2

Do you like eating eggplant?

Point to the person, sign 'like', sign 'eat', and then sign 'eggplant' by tracing its oblong shape.

3

The eggplant is purple.

Sign 'eggplant' using the shape-tracing motion, then sign 'purple' by shaking a 'P' handshape.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to fingerspell eggplant or use this sign?

Fingerspelling is very common and widely understood for 'eggplant'. However, using this descriptive shape sign is highly visual and works perfectly, especially when discussing food or cooking.

Can this sign mean other vegetables?

Yes, because this sign traces an oblong shape, it can also be used to describe a zucchini or squash. Adding the sign for 'purple' beforehand helps specify that it's an eggplant.

Do I need to mouth the word while signing?

Mouthing the word 'eggplant' can be very helpful here. Since the sign relies on a shape classifier that could apply to other squashes, mouthing clarifies your exact meaning.

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