Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Fame"

To sign 'fame', start with both hands in '1' handshapes, with your index fingers pointing up and palms facing you. Place your index fingers near the corners of your mouth. Move both hands outward and upward away from your face, twisting your wrists so your palms face forward by the end of the sign.

Examples Using "Fame" in a Sentence

1

She wants fame.

Sign 'she', 'want', and then 'fame' using the outward twisting motion from your mouth to show the concept of popularity spreading.

2

His fame grew quickly.

Sign 'his', 'fame', 'grow', and 'fast', ensuring the 'fame' sign starts right near the corners of your mouth for clarity.

3

Fame isn't important to me.

Sign 'fame', 'not', 'important', 'to-me', using a neutral or slightly dismissive facial expression during the sign for 'fame' to match the tone.

How to Sign "Fame"
To sign 'fame', start with both hands in '1' handshapes, with your index fingers pointing up and palms facing you. Place your index fingers near the corners of your mouth. Move both hands outward and upward away from your face, twisting your wrists so your palms face forward by the end of the sign.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'fame' visually represents the concept of word-of-mouth spreading. The index fingers starting at the mouth symbolize speech or news, while the outward, spiraling motion illustrates that information being broadcasted widely to the public. Essentially, it paints a picture of someone's name or reputation spreading far and wide.
Signing Tips
When signing 'fame', focus on the twisting motion of your wrists as your hands move outward. This twisting motion is key to the sign's meaning, representing news or popularity spreading. Ensure your index fingers start close to your mouth, as starting too low can make the sign unclear. Your facial expression should match the context of the sentence—use an excited expression for sudden fame, or a neutral one for a general statement.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving the hands straight out without the twisting motion, which can make the sign look stiff or incorrect. Another frequent error is starting the sign on the chest or neck instead of near the corners of the mouth. Finally, beginners sometimes use a flat handshape instead of the correct '1' handshape with only the index fingers extended.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Fame" in a Sentence
1

She wants fame.

Sign 'she', 'want', and then 'fame' using the outward twisting motion from your mouth to show the concept of popularity spreading.

2

His fame grew quickly.

Sign 'his', 'fame', 'grow', and 'fast', ensuring the 'fame' sign starts right near the corners of your mouth for clarity.

3

Fame isn't important to me.

Sign 'fame', 'not', 'important', 'to-me', using a neutral or slightly dismissive facial expression during the sign for 'fame' to match the tone.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'fame' the same as 'famous'?

Yes, in ASL, the same sign is used for both 'fame' and 'famous'. The specific meaning is easily understood based on the context of your sentence.

Do I have to use both hands for this sign?

Yes, 'fame' is a symmetrical two-handed sign. Using only one hand would be incorrect and might be confused with other signs related to speaking, like 'tell' or 'say'.

How large should the outward movement be?

The movement should extend a few inches outward and upward from your face. If you want to emphasize a massive amount of fame or a global superstar, you can make the movement larger and more exaggerated!

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