How to Sign "Ghetto"
To sign 'ghetto', start by bending your non-dominant arm across your chest with your hand in a relaxed fist. Take your dominant hand, keeping it open and flat, and firmly slap the inside crease of your non-dominant elbow.
Examples Using "Ghetto" in a Sentence
1
The city is working to improve the ghetto.
Sign 'city', 'improve', and then use the firm elbow-strike for 'ghetto' to indicate the specific area being discussed.
2
He grew up in a ghetto.
Establish the person by pointing ('he'), sign 'grow up', and finish with the sign for 'ghetto' by slapping the inside of your non-dominant elbow.
3
That neighborhood is considered a ghetto.
Point to the area to establish 'that neighborhood', sign 'label' or 'think', and then perform the 'ghetto' sign clearly.
How to Sign "Ghetto"
To sign 'ghetto', start by bending your non-dominant arm across your chest with your hand in a relaxed fist. Take your dominant hand, keeping it open and flat, and firmly slap the inside crease of your non-dominant elbow.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is visually related to other ASL signs concerning socioeconomic status or hardship that are located on the arm. The firm strike on the inner elbow represents a localized, dense area, distinguishing it from the downward pulling motion of the sign for 'poor'.
Signing Tips
Keep your non-dominant arm steady and bent at a comfortable angle across your torso. The movement should come entirely from your dominant hand. Make sure the slap is firm but not painful, using an open, flat hand.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is grabbing the elbow and pulling the dominant hand down after the strike, which changes the meaning to 'poor'. For 'ghetto', ensure it is a direct slap against the inner elbow without a downward sliding motion.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Ghetto" in a Sentence
1The city is working to improve the ghetto.
Sign 'city', 'improve', and then use the firm elbow-strike for 'ghetto' to indicate the specific area being discussed.
2He grew up in a ghetto.
Establish the person by pointing ('he'), sign 'grow up', and finish with the sign for 'ghetto' by slapping the inside of your non-dominant elbow.
3That neighborhood is considered a ghetto.
Point to the area to establish 'that neighborhood', sign 'label' or 'think', and then perform the 'ghetto' sign clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'ghetto' the same as 'poor'?
They are similar but distinct. 'Poor' involves grabbing the inner elbow and pulling down repeatedly, while 'ghetto' is a direct, flat-handed slap against the inner elbow without the pulling motion.
Does it matter which arm I strike?
Yes, you should always use your dominant hand to strike your non-dominant arm. If you are right-handed, your right hand will slap your left inner elbow.
Should I use facial expressions with this sign?
Facial expressions are always important in ASL. Depending on the context—whether you are discussing a historical ghetto or describing a modern neighborhood—your facial expression should match the tone and seriousness of the conversation.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!