How to Sign "Event"

To sign 'event', start with both hands in front of your chest, palms facing up, with your middle fingers bent inward towards your palms (often called the 'open 8' handshape). Move both hands upward and slightly outward in a quick, light motion. This is the same sign commonly used for 'what's up'.

Examples Using "Event" in a Sentence

1

Are you going to the event tonight?

Sign 'event' by moving your hands upward with bent middle fingers, then point forward for 'you', sign 'go', and finish with 'tonight' while raising your eyebrows to ask a yes/no question.

2

That was a really fun event!

Use the sign for 'event', followed by 'fun', and make sure your facial expression shows genuine excitement to match the positive tone of the sentence.

3

We have a big event planned for next week.

Sign 'next week', then 'we', 'plan', 'big', and finish with 'event', keeping the upward motion of the hands clear and distinct.

How to Sign "Event"
To sign 'event', start with both hands in front of your chest, palms facing up, with your middle fingers bent inward towards your palms (often called the 'open 8' handshape). Move both hands upward and slightly outward in a quick, light motion. This is the same sign commonly used for 'what's up'.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign shares its form with the ASL sign for 'what's up' or 'what's going on'. The bent middle finger is often used in ASL to represent feelings, internal states, or things touching the heart and chest area. Moving these hands upward and outward visually represents things coming to the surface, happening, or unfolding as a social event.
Signing Tips
Keep the motion light and fluid, moving your hands upward and slightly outward. Make sure only your middle fingers are bent inward while the rest of your fingers remain spread open and relaxed. Always let your facial expression match the context of the event you are discussing.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is bending all of your fingers instead of just the middle fingers. Another frequent error is moving the hands downward or in a circle; the motion should be a distinct upward and outward flick.
Regional Variations
While the 'what's up' sign is widely used for 'event', some signers may prefer using the sign for 'HAPPEN' (index fingers pointing forward, palms up, then flipping to palms down) depending on the context of the sentence.
Examples Using "Event" in a Sentence
1

Are you going to the event tonight?

Sign 'event' by moving your hands upward with bent middle fingers, then point forward for 'you', sign 'go', and finish with 'tonight' while raising your eyebrows to ask a yes/no question.

2

That was a really fun event!

Use the sign for 'event', followed by 'fun', and make sure your facial expression shows genuine excitement to match the positive tone of the sentence.

3

We have a big event planned for next week.

Sign 'next week', then 'we', 'plan', 'big', and finish with 'event', keeping the upward motion of the hands clear and distinct.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the exact same sign as 'what's up'?

Yes! The handshape, location, and movement are identical. You can easily tell the difference between the two based on the context of the conversation and the signer's facial expressions.

Can I use the sign for 'happen' instead?

Sometimes. The sign for 'happen' can be used if you are talking about a general occurrence, but the sign shown here is much more common when referring to a planned social gathering, activity, or special occasion.

Do my hands need to touch my chest?

No, your hands should hover just in front of your chest. While the middle fingers point inward toward your body, they do not need to make physical contact with your chest during the sign.

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