Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Fortnite"

To sign Fortnite, you will fingerspell the word F-O-R-T-N-I-T-E. Hold your dominant hand up at about shoulder height with your palm facing outward. Smoothly transition through each letter: F, O, R, T, N, I, T, E. Make sure to keep your hand relatively still, avoiding any bouncing motions between the letters. Fingerspelling is the standard way to refer to this popular video game in ASL.

Examples Using "Fortnite" in a Sentence

1

Do you play Fortnite?

Sign 'YOU', 'PLAY', and then fingerspell F-O-R-T-N-I-T-E. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly at the end of the sentence to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.

2

Fortnite is a fun game.

First, fingerspell F-O-R-T-N-I-T-E to establish the subject. Then, sign 'FUN' by brushing your dominant 'U' handshape off your non-dominant 'U' handshape, followed by the sign for 'GAME' by bringing two 'A' handshapes together.

3

I won a game of Fortnite.

Sign 'I', then 'WIN' by grabbing an imaginary prize in the air. Next, sign 'GAME', and finally, fingerspell F-O-R-T-N-I-T-E to specify which game you are talking about.

How to Sign "Fortnite"
To sign Fortnite, you will fingerspell the word F-O-R-T-N-I-T-E. Hold your dominant hand up at about shoulder height with your palm facing outward. Smoothly transition through each letter: F, O, R, T, N, I, T, E. Make sure to keep your hand relatively still, avoiding any bouncing motions between the letters. Fingerspelling is the standard way to refer to this popular video game in ASL.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
Because 'Fortnite' is a specific brand name and a modern video game title, it is represented in ASL by fingerspelling the word letter by letter. In American Sign Language, fingerspelling is the standard and most accurate way to express proper nouns, brand names, and specific titles that do not yet have a widely established or universally accepted sign across the broader Deaf community.
Signing Tips
When fingerspelling a longer word like 'Fortnite', focus on smooth, fluid transitions between the letters rather than trying to go as fast as possible. Keep your elbow relaxed and your hand in a comfortable position near your shoulder. Avoid 'bouncing' or pushing your hand forward for each letter; your hand should stay in one steady location while only your fingers do the moving. This makes it much easier for others to read.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is rushing the fingerspelling, which causes the letters to blur together and become unreadable. This is especially true for the tight transitions between 'R', 'T', and 'N'. Another frequent error is bouncing the hand up and down with each new letter. This bouncing motion is distracting and makes it very difficult for your conversation partner to track and read the word clearly.
Regional Variations
While fingerspelling is the universally understood way to sign 'Fortnite', you might encounter community-specific variations. Some deaf gamers or close-knit friend groups may invent localized 'name signs' for the game to save time during fast-paced conversations, such as mimicking the motion of swinging a pickaxe or incorporating an 'F' handshape. However, fingerspelling remains the standard and most reliable method.
Examples Using "Fortnite" in a Sentence
1

Do you play Fortnite?

Sign 'YOU', 'PLAY', and then fingerspell F-O-R-T-N-I-T-E. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly at the end of the sentence to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.

2

Fortnite is a fun game.

First, fingerspell F-O-R-T-N-I-T-E to establish the subject. Then, sign 'FUN' by brushing your dominant 'U' handshape off your non-dominant 'U' handshape, followed by the sign for 'GAME' by bringing two 'A' handshapes together.

3

I won a game of Fortnite.

Sign 'I', then 'WIN' by grabbing an imaginary prize in the air. Next, sign 'GAME', and finally, fingerspell F-O-R-T-N-I-T-E to specify which game you are talking about.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a single sign for Fortnite?

There is no universally recognized single sign for Fortnite in ASL. While some gaming communities might use their own slang signs or gestures, fingerspelling F-O-R-T-N-I-T-E is the most accurate, respectful, and widely understood method to use.

How do I show that Fortnite is capitalized?

In ASL, you do not need to do anything special to indicate capitalization when fingerspelling. The context of your sentence will let the viewer know you are referring to the specific video game rather than a general word.

I struggle with the 'R' to 'T' transition. Any tips?

Practice moving slowly from the crossed fingers of the 'R' handshape to tucking your thumb under your index finger for the 'T'. Doing this slowly and repeatedly will build muscle memory, making the transition feel much more natural over time.

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