To sign "emoji", you will fingerspell the word, as there is no widely established single sign for it. Hold your dominant hand in front of you at about shoulder height with your palm facing outward. Smoothly spell out the letters E-M-O-J-I. Start with the "E" handshape, transition to "M", form an "O", trace a small curve in the air with your pinky finger for "J", and hold the pinky up for the final "I".
Sign 'laugh' and then fingerspell E-M-O-J-I to specify exactly what kind of digital icon you are talking about.
Sign 'heart' and then fingerspell E-M-O-J-I to describe the specific message you received on your phone.
Fingerspell E-M-O-J-I, then use the sign for 'favorite' and 'which', making sure to furrow your eyebrows to indicate a question.
Sign 'laugh' and then fingerspell E-M-O-J-I to specify exactly what kind of digital icon you are talking about.
Sign 'heart' and then fingerspell E-M-O-J-I to describe the specific message you received on your phone.
Fingerspell E-M-O-J-I, then use the sign for 'favorite' and 'which', making sure to furrow your eyebrows to indicate a question.
Currently, there is no widely accepted single sign for "emoji" in ASL. Because it is a modern, specific term, it is standard practice to fingerspell it.
Focus on clarity rather than speed. It is always better to spell E-M-O-J-I slowly and clearly so the other person can read it easily, rather than rushing and making mistakes.
While you can describe an emoji using signs like 'face' or 'picture' depending on the context, fingerspelling E-M-O-J-I is the best and most accurate way to specifically refer to the digital icons.
