Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Gangsta"

To sign *gangsta* (or *gangster*), begin by mimicking holding a large machine gun. Form both hands into 'S' handshapes (fists). Position your dominant hand near your upper chest or shoulder (as if holding the trigger) and your non-dominant hand lower and further out in front of you (as if holding the barrel). Give your hands a slight shake or bounce to mimic the recoil of the gun. Next, sign the 'person' marker by opening both hands so they are flat with palms facing each other, and moving them straight down the sides of your body.

Examples Using "Gangsta" in a Sentence

1

The movie is about a famous gangsta.

To sign this, start by signing 'movie' using your palms. Then, perform the 'gangsta' sign by mimicking the machine gun with your fists and adding the downward person marker. Finish by signing 'famous', pointing your index fingers outward from your chin to show something widely known.

2

He thinks he is a tough gangsta.

Begin by pointing to the person to sign 'he', then tap your forehead for 'think'. Next, sign 'tough' by striking your fists together. Finally, perform the 'gangsta' sign by holding the imaginary machine gun and finishing with the flat-handed person marker moving down your sides.

3

In the 1920s, gangstas wore nice suits.

Start by signing 'past' to establish the time period. Then, sign 'gangsta' using the diagonal fists for the gun and the downward person marker. Conclude the sentence by signing 'wear', 'nice' (sliding one flat hand over the other), and 'suit' (tracing the lapels on your chest).

How to Sign "Gangsta"
To sign *gangsta* (or *gangster*), begin by mimicking holding a large machine gun. Form both hands into 'S' handshapes (fists). Position your dominant hand near your upper chest or shoulder (as if holding the trigger) and your non-dominant hand lower and further out in front of you (as if holding the barrel). Give your hands a slight shake or bounce to mimic the recoil of the gun. Next, sign the 'person' marker by opening both hands so they are flat with palms facing each other, and moving them straight down the sides of your body.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for *gangsta* (or gangster) is highly iconic and draws directly from classic Hollywood imagery of the 1920s mobster. The first part of the sign mimics holding and firing a large 'Tommy gun' (Thompson submachine gun), which is historically associated with gangsters and the mafia. The second part of the sign is the standard ASL 'person' marker (also called the agent suffix). This suffix turns the preceding action or object into a noun representing a person. Together, 'machine gun' plus 'person' creates the meaning.
Signing Tips
When signing *gangsta*, the first part of the sign relies heavily on mime and iconic visual representation. Make sure your hands are positioned diagonally—one high near the chest and one low—to clearly show the shape of holding a large gun. Adding a slight vibrating motion or bounce to your fists helps convey the 'recoil' of the gun, making the sign much more expressive and easily understood before you add the downward 'person' marker.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is holding both fists at the exact same height, which can look more like you are steering a car or holding a vertical pole. Ensure your dominant hand is up near your shoulder and your non-dominant hand is lower to accurately mimic holding a machine gun. Additionally, beginners sometimes forget to include the 'person' marker at the end. Without those flat hands moving downward, the sign simply means 'machine gun' rather than the person.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Gangsta" in a Sentence
1

The movie is about a famous gangsta.

To sign this, start by signing 'movie' using your palms. Then, perform the 'gangsta' sign by mimicking the machine gun with your fists and adding the downward person marker. Finish by signing 'famous', pointing your index fingers outward from your chin to show something widely known.

2

He thinks he is a tough gangsta.

Begin by pointing to the person to sign 'he', then tap your forehead for 'think'. Next, sign 'tough' by striking your fists together. Finally, perform the 'gangsta' sign by holding the imaginary machine gun and finishing with the flat-handed person marker moving down your sides.

3

In the 1920s, gangstas wore nice suits.

Start by signing 'past' to establish the time period. Then, sign 'gangsta' using the diagonal fists for the gun and the downward person marker. Conclude the sentence by signing 'wear', 'nice' (sliding one flat hand over the other), and 'suit' (tracing the lapels on your chest).

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for a modern street gang member?

While this sign specifically means 'gangster' or 'mobster' and evokes classic machine-gun imagery, modern street gang members are often referred to by signing 'gang' (using 'G' handshapes) followed by the 'person' marker. However, this machine-gun version is still widely understood in colloquial or pop-culture contexts.

Do I have to shake my hands when holding the imaginary gun?

Adding a slight shake or bounce to your 'S' handshapes helps illustrate the recoil of the gun, making the sign much more dynamic and visually clear. While you can sign it with stationary fists, the movement adds natural ASL expression and makes the mime more recognizable.

Why do we add the flat hands moving down at the end?

The flat hands moving downward represent the ASL 'person' marker, which is also known as the agent suffix. It changes the sign from just 'machine gun' to 'a person who uses a machine gun'. Without it, you are only signing the weapon, not the person.

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