Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Gum"

To sign "gum", start by forming your dominant hand into a bent "V" shape. Do this by extending your index and middle fingers, then bending them slightly at the knuckles. Place the tips of these two fingers against your cheek, near your jawline. Move the fingers up and down a couple of times against your cheek. This movement mimics the action of your jaw muscle when you are chewing a piece of gum.

Examples Using "Gum" in a Sentence

1

Do you have any gum?

To ask this, sign 'YOU', 'HAVE', and then 'GUM' using the bent 'V' handshape on your cheek. Since it is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly while signing.

2

I like mint gum.

Sign 'I', 'LIKE', 'MINT', and 'GUM'. When signing 'gum', keep the movement small and localized to your cheek to clearly show the chewing motion without exaggerating it.

3

Throw your gum in the trash.

Sign 'GUM', then use a throwing motion to indicate 'THROW-AWAY', followed by 'TRASH'. The sign for 'gum' establishes what object is being thrown away before showing the action.

How to Sign "Gum"
To sign "gum", start by forming your dominant hand into a bent "V" shape. Do this by extending your index and middle fingers, then bending them slightly at the knuckles. Place the tips of these two fingers against your cheek, near your jawline. Move the fingers up and down a couple of times against your cheek. This movement mimics the action of your jaw muscle when you are chewing a piece of gum.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'gum' is highly iconic and visually represents the physical act of chewing. The placement of the bent 'V' handshape on the side of the cheek directly highlights the jaw muscle. The repetitive up-and-down movement of the fingers mimics the continuous flexing and relaxing of that muscle as a person chews a piece of bubblegum.
Signing Tips
When signing 'gum', pay close attention to the placement of your hand. Your bent 'V' fingers should rest on your cheek near the jawline, exactly where your jaw muscle flexes when you chew. Keep the up-and-down movement small, crisp, and repetitive. You don't need to move your whole arm; let the motion come entirely from the bending of your fingers and a slight wrist movement.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using a straight 'V' handshape instead of bending the index and middle fingers. Another common error is placing the fingers too close to the mouth or too high up on the cheekbone. If placed incorrectly, it can look confusing or resemble other signs. Always ensure the fingers are bent and placed firmly on the side of the cheek.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Gum" in a Sentence
1

Do you have any gum?

To ask this, sign 'YOU', 'HAVE', and then 'GUM' using the bent 'V' handshape on your cheek. Since it is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly while signing.

2

I like mint gum.

Sign 'I', 'LIKE', 'MINT', and 'GUM'. When signing 'gum', keep the movement small and localized to your cheek to clearly show the chewing motion without exaggerating it.

3

Throw your gum in the trash.

Sign 'GUM', then use a throwing motion to indicate 'THROW-AWAY', followed by 'TRASH'. The sign for 'gum' establishes what object is being thrown away before showing the action.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use just my index finger for this sign?

No, it is important to use the bent 'V' handshape with both your index and middle fingers. Using only your index finger on your cheek changes the sign completely and might be confused with signs like 'candy' or 'apple', which use different handshapes but similar locations.

Does it matter which cheek I sign this on?

Yes, you should always sign 'gum' on the side of your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, place your fingers on your right cheek. If you are left-handed, use your left cheek. Crossing over your face feels awkward and is not standard practice.

How many times should I move my fingers up and down?

Typically, two or three small, quick movements are perfect. Because chewing gum is a continuous action, a repeated motion is necessary to convey the meaning accurately. Just a couple of bounces against the cheek is all you need.

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