How to Sign "Greed"

To sign "greed", start with both hands in front of you, palms facing down and fingers slightly curved like loose claws. Pull both hands inward toward your chest while curling your fingers tighter, as if you are grabbing something and keeping it for yourself. Use a matching facial expression, like a slight scowl, to convey the intensity of the word.

Examples Using "Greed" in a Sentence

1

His greed ruined the business.

Sign "his", then "greed" with a strong pulling motion and an intense facial expression, followed by "ruin" and "business".

2

Don't let greed control you.

Sign "don't", "allow", "greed", then "control" directed at yourself. Make the sign for "greed" sharp to emphasize the negative trait.

3

The story is about power and greed.

Sign "story", "about", "power", and "greed". The pulling motion of "greed" pairs well with the strong, firm movement of "power".

How to Sign "Greed"
To sign "greed", start with both hands in front of you, palms facing down and fingers slightly curved like loose claws. Pull both hands inward toward your chest while curling your fingers tighter, as if you are grabbing something and keeping it for yourself. Use a matching facial expression, like a slight scowl, to convey the intensity of the word.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "greed" is highly iconic and visually represents the act of hoarding. The claw-like handshapes and the inward pulling motion mimic someone grabbing as much as they can and pulling it toward themselves, perfectly illustrating the concept of being greedy or selfish.
Signing Tips
When signing "greed", your facial expression is just as important as your hand movements. A neutral face might make the sign look like you're simply pulling an object toward you. Add a slight scowl or a possessive look to clearly communicate the concept of hoarding or being greedy. Make the pulling motion firm and deliberate.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the pulling motion too gentle or keeping the hands completely flat. The hands need to look like they are grasping or clawing at something to capture the essence of greed. Also, forgetting the facial expression can strip the sign of its negative, intense meaning.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Greed" in a Sentence
1

His greed ruined the business.

Sign "his", then "greed" with a strong pulling motion and an intense facial expression, followed by "ruin" and "business".

2

Don't let greed control you.

Sign "don't", "allow", "greed", then "control" directed at yourself. Make the sign for "greed" sharp to emphasize the negative trait.

3

The story is about power and greed.

Sign "story", "about", "power", and "greed". The pulling motion of "greed" pairs well with the strong, firm movement of "power".

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'greed' the same as 'selfish'?

They are very similar and sometimes used interchangeably, but 'selfish' is often signed by pulling 'V' or '3' handshapes inward, while 'greed' typically uses clawed hands to emphasize grabbing and hoarding.

Do I have to use both hands?

Yes, 'greed' is a two-handed sign. Using both hands emphasizes the excessive nature of the word, showing someone trying to grab as much as possible.

Can I use this sign to mean 'hungry'?

No, 'hungry' is signed by moving a 'C' handshape down the center of your chest. 'Greed' involves pulling both clawed hands toward your body and is used for hoarding or selfishness, not physical hunger.

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