How to Sign "Gorgeous"

To sign 'gorgeous,' start with your dominant hand open in a '5' handshape, palm facing your face. Move your hand in a circular motion around your face, starting from one side, crossing over your forehead, and ending at your chin. As your hand reaches your chin, close your fingers together into a flattened 'O' handshape. Be sure to use an expressive, appreciative facial expression to convey the intensity of the word.

Examples Using "Gorgeous" in a Sentence

1

That sunset is gorgeous.

Sign 'sunset' then 'gorgeous,' using a large, sweeping motion and an awe-struck facial expression to emphasize the beauty.

2

You look gorgeous tonight.

Point to the person, sign 'gorgeous,' and then 'tonight,' making sure your face shows genuine admiration.

3

She bought a gorgeous new dress.

Sign 'she,' 'buy,' 'new,' 'dress,' and then 'gorgeous,' perhaps pausing slightly before 'gorgeous' for emphasis.

How to Sign "Gorgeous"
To sign 'gorgeous,' start with your dominant hand open in a '5' handshape, palm facing your face. Move your hand in a circular motion around your face, starting from one side, crossing over your forehead, and ending at your chin. As your hand reaches your chin, close your fingers together into a flattened 'O' handshape. Be sure to use an expressive, appreciative facial expression to convey the intensity of the word.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign traces the outline of a face, visually representing the concept of a beautiful or gorgeous appearance. The closing of the hand at the chin gathers that beauty together.
Signing Tips
The key to distinguishing 'gorgeous' from 'beautiful' or 'pretty' is in your facial expression and the size of the movement. Make the circle slightly larger and use a very expressive face. Keep the palm facing your face throughout the circular motion, as if you are tracing the beautiful features of a face.
Common Mistakes
Moving the hand too far away from the face is a common error; the hand should stay relatively close to your face as it circles. Another mistake is forgetting the facial expression. Without an expressive face, the sign might just mean 'pretty' rather than the more intense 'gorgeous.'
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Gorgeous" in a Sentence
1

That sunset is gorgeous.

Sign 'sunset' then 'gorgeous,' using a large, sweeping motion and an awe-struck facial expression to emphasize the beauty.

2

You look gorgeous tonight.

Point to the person, sign 'gorgeous,' and then 'tonight,' making sure your face shows genuine admiration.

3

She bought a gorgeous new dress.

Sign 'she,' 'buy,' 'new,' 'dress,' and then 'gorgeous,' perhaps pausing slightly before 'gorgeous' for emphasis.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'gorgeous' the same as 'beautiful'?

Yes, the manual sign is the same! The difference lies in your facial expression and the intensity of the movement. For 'gorgeous,' use a more exaggerated expression and a slightly larger movement.

Can I use this sign for objects as well as people?

Absolutely. You can use this sign to describe a gorgeous person, a gorgeous view, a gorgeous piece of art, or anything else that is visually stunning.

Does it matter which hand I use?

You should use your dominant hand to perform this sign. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to trace your face; if you are left-handed, use your left hand.

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