How to Sign "Favorite"
To sign 'favorite', relax the dominant hand and bring the middle finger in at the knuckle. Touch the tip of the middle finger to the bottom lip twice.
Examples Using "Favorite" in a Sentence
1
What is your favorite color?
Sign 'color', then use the 'favorite' sign by tapping your middle finger to your bottom lip twice, and finish with the 'what' sign while furrowing your eyebrows to ask the question.
2
My favorite food is pizza.
Point to yourself for 'my', sign 'favorite' by tapping your bottom lip twice with your dropped middle finger, sign 'food', and then sign or fingerspell 'pizza'.
3
She is my favorite teacher.
Point to the person for 'she', point to yourself for 'my', execute the double-tap on the lip for 'favorite', and conclude with the sign for 'teacher'.
How to Sign "Favorite"
To sign 'favorite', relax the dominant hand and bring the middle finger in at the knuckle. Touch the tip of the middle finger to the bottom lip twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In ASL, the middle finger dropped forward at the knuckle is often used to indicate feelings, sensations, or personal preferences. Placing this handshape near the mouth connects the concept to 'taste'. Over time, the idea of having a good taste for something evolved into the broader concept of personal preference, or something being your absolute 'favorite'.
Signing Tips
Keep your dominant hand relaxed rather than stiff. You don't need to force the other fingers straight up; just let the middle finger drop forward naturally from the knuckle. Make sure the double tap on your bottom lip is light and gentle. Pair this sign with a positive, happy facial expression to convey that you really like the subject!
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake is using the index finger instead of the middle finger, which can look like the signs for 'say' or 'tell'. Another frequent error is tapping the chest instead of the bottom lip, which changes the word entirely to 'feel'. Finally, make sure to tap twice; tapping only once looks like the sign for 'taste'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Favorite" in a Sentence
1What is your favorite color?
Sign 'color', then use the 'favorite' sign by tapping your middle finger to your bottom lip twice, and finish with the 'what' sign while furrowing your eyebrows to ask the question.
2My favorite food is pizza.
Point to yourself for 'my', sign 'favorite' by tapping your bottom lip twice with your dropped middle finger, sign 'food', and then sign or fingerspell 'pizza'.
3She is my favorite teacher.
Point to the person for 'she', point to yourself for 'my', execute the double-tap on the lip for 'favorite', and conclude with the sign for 'teacher'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'favorite' the same as the sign for 'taste'?
They are very similar because they share the same handshape and location! However, 'taste' is usually signed with a single tap or a slight sliding motion on the lip, whereas 'favorite' requires two distinct taps.
Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'favorite'?
You should always use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand's middle finger to tap your bottom lip. Keeping your dominant hand consistent makes your signing much easier to understand.
Can I use this sign for a favorite person, or is it just for things?
You can use this sign for absolutely anything you favor! Whether you are talking about your favorite food, your favorite movie, or your favorite friend, the sign remains exactly the same.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!