Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Ego"

To sign "ego" (also meaning big-headed or conceited), form both hands into bent "L" shapes, with your index fingers bent and thumbs extended. Place them on either side of your head near your temples. Move both hands outward and away from your head, as if illustrating your head swelling or getting larger. Pair this motion with a slightly arrogant or puffed-up facial expression to fully convey the meaning.

Examples Using "Ego" in a Sentence

1

He has a huge ego.

Point to the person to sign 'HE', then sign 'EGO' using a large, exaggerated outward movement. Puff out your cheeks slightly to emphasize just how massive his ego really is.

2

Don't let your ego get in the way.

Sign 'DON'T', point forward for 'YOUR', and then sign 'EGO'. You can finish with a warning expression or sign 'BLOCK' to show the ego becoming an obstacle.

3

I need to check my ego.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'MUST' or 'NEED', and then sign 'EGO' with a smaller movement, followed by 'CONTROL' or 'DECREASE' to show managing your pride.

How to Sign "Ego"
To sign "ego" (also meaning big-headed or conceited), form both hands into bent "L" shapes, with your index fingers bent and thumbs extended. Place them on either side of your head near your temples. Move both hands outward and away from your head, as if illustrating your head swelling or getting larger. Pair this motion with a slightly arrogant or puffed-up facial expression to fully convey the meaning.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'ego' is highly visual and iconic, relying on a metaphor commonly used in spoken English as well. The hands start near the sides of the head and move outward to literally illustrate the concept of someone being 'big-headed.' This expanding motion perfectly captures the idea of a person's head swelling due to an inflated sense of self-importance, pride, or arrogance.
Signing Tips
When signing 'ego', focus heavily on the combination of your hand movement and your facial expression. The outward motion of your hands visually represents a swelling head, so adjusting the distance your hands travel can show exactly how big someone's ego is! To make the sign look natural, pair it with a slightly smug, proud, or puffed-up facial expression. Body language, like a slight backward tilt of your head, also helps clearly convey the concept of arrogance.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is keeping the hands stationary or too close to the head without showing the outward expanding motion. Without that crucial outward movement, the sign loses its core meaning of a 'swelling' head. Make sure your hands start near your temples and distinctly pull outward horizontally. Additionally, signing this with a blank or friendly facial expression will confuse the viewer, as the sign requires an arrogant look.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Ego" in a Sentence
1

He has a huge ego.

Point to the person to sign 'HE', then sign 'EGO' using a large, exaggerated outward movement. Puff out your cheeks slightly to emphasize just how massive his ego really is.

2

Don't let your ego get in the way.

Sign 'DON'T', point forward for 'YOUR', and then sign 'EGO'. You can finish with a warning expression or sign 'BLOCK' to show the ego becoming an obstacle.

3

I need to check my ego.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'MUST' or 'NEED', and then sign 'EGO' with a smaller movement, followed by 'CONTROL' or 'DECREASE' to show managing your pride.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to mean 'arrogant' or 'conceited'?

Yes, this sign is incredibly versatile and is commonly used to mean 'arrogant,' 'conceited,' 'stuck-up,' or 'big-headed.' The context of your sentence and the intensity of your facial expression will help clarify the exact English translation you intend.

Does the size of the hand movement matter?

Absolutely! In ASL, you can modify the sign to show the exact size of the ego. A small outward movement implies a slight ego, while a large, exaggerated movement with puffed cheeks means a massive, over-the-top ego.

What facial expression should I use with this sign?

To accurately convey an inflated ego, you should adopt a slightly smug, proud, or arrogant expression. Puffed cheeks, pressed lips, or a slight backward tilt of the head will add essential grammatical and emotional context to the sign.

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