How to Sign "Granny"
To sign "granny," start with an open hand with your fingers spread apart in a "5" handshape. Place the tip of your thumb against your chin. Then, move your hand forward away from your face in two small, bouncing arches.
Examples Using "Granny" in a Sentence
1
My granny makes the best cookies.
To express this, you would sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, then sign 'granny' by bouncing your open hand forward from your chin. Follow this with the signs for 'make,' 'best,' and 'cookies.'
2
I am visiting my granny this weekend.
Start by establishing the time frame with 'this weekend.' Then point to yourself for 'I,' sign 'visit,' and finish with 'my' and 'granny.' Remember to use the double bounce from the chin to clearly indicate your grandmother.
3
Does your granny live near here?
Since this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows throughout the sentence. Sign 'your,' then 'granny,' followed by 'live,' 'near,' and 'here.' Keep your facial expression inquisitive to show you are asking a question.
How to Sign "Granny"
To sign "granny," start with an open hand with your fingers spread apart in a "5" handshape. Place the tip of your thumb against your chin. Then, move your hand forward away from your face in two small, bouncing arches.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'granny' (or grandmother) builds directly upon the foundational sign for 'mother.' In ASL, signs for female family members are traditionally located on the lower half of the face, specifically around the chin. The forward bouncing motion represents moving back a generation in your family tree. By extending the sign for 'mother' outward with those two distinct arches, you are visually demonstrating the generational leap from a parent to a grandparent.
Signing Tips
To sign 'granny' clearly, make sure to keep your fingers spread open and relaxed in a '5' handshape. The movement should consist of two distinct, small bounces forward away from your chin. Avoid making one long, continuous slide, as the bounces help clarify the generational leap. Keep your hand relatively upright throughout the entire motion.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is starting the sign on the forehead instead of the chin. Placing this exact same handshape and movement on the forehead changes the meaning entirely to 'grandpa.' Another frequent error is forgetting the forward bounces and simply tapping the chin, which is the sign for 'mother.'
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Granny" in a Sentence
1My granny makes the best cookies.
To express this, you would sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, then sign 'granny' by bouncing your open hand forward from your chin. Follow this with the signs for 'make,' 'best,' and 'cookies.'
2I am visiting my granny this weekend.
Start by establishing the time frame with 'this weekend.' Then point to yourself for 'I,' sign 'visit,' and finish with 'my' and 'granny.' Remember to use the double bounce from the chin to clearly indicate your grandmother.
3Does your granny live near here?
Since this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows throughout the sentence. Sign 'your,' then 'granny,' followed by 'live,' 'near,' and 'here.' Keep your facial expression inquisitive to show you are asking a question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'granny' the same as 'grandmother'?
Yes, 'granny,' 'grandma,' and 'grandmother' all use the exact same sign in ASL. The specific English translation is simply understood from the context of your conversation and personal preference.
Why does the sign start on the chin?
In ASL, signs related to female family members—like mother, aunt, niece, and sister—are traditionally placed on the lower half of the face, near the chin or cheek. Male signs are placed near the forehead.
How many times should I bounce my hand forward?
You should bounce your hand forward in two small arches. A single touch to the chin means 'mother,' so the extra forward bounces are necessary to show the older generation.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!