How to Sign "Hack"

Hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form your dominant hand into a flat shape with the palm facing sideways. Use the pinky-side edge of your dominant hand to repeatedly strike the back of your non-dominant hand in a sharp, chopping motion.

Examples Using "Hack" in a Sentence

1

He had to hack through the thick brush.

Use this sign to show the physical action of chopping or cutting through the dense vegetation.

2

Please chop the vegetables for the soup.

This sign works perfectly to indicate the action of chopping or hacking food on a cutting board.

3

The lumberjack will hack the branches off the tree.

Sign 'hack' to represent the forceful, repetitive striking motion used with an axe or hatchet.

How to Sign "Hack"
Hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form your dominant hand into a flat shape with the palm facing sideways. Use the pinky-side edge of your dominant hand to repeatedly strike the back of your non-dominant hand in a sharp, chopping motion.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents the physical action of using a tool, such as a hatchet or cleaver, to chop or hack at an object (which is represented by your stationary base hand).
Signing Tips
Keep your non-dominant hand steady to act as a solid base or 'cutting board.' The movement should come primarily from the wrist and elbow of your dominant hand, mimicking a real chopping action. Use a firm, sharp motion to clearly convey the idea of hacking.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands up and down; remember to keep your non-dominant hand completely still. Another error is striking with the palm or knuckles instead of the pinky edge of your dominant hand.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Hack" in a Sentence
1

He had to hack through the thick brush.

Use this sign to show the physical action of chopping or cutting through the dense vegetation.

2

Please chop the vegetables for the soup.

This sign works perfectly to indicate the action of chopping or hacking food on a cutting board.

3

The lumberjack will hack the branches off the tree.

Sign 'hack' to represent the forceful, repetitive striking motion used with an axe or hatchet.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for computer hacking?

No, this sign specifically refers to the physical action of chopping or cutting roughly. For computer hacking, you would typically fingerspell H-A-C-K or use signs related to typing and infiltrating a system.

Is this the same sign as 'chop'?

Yes, this sign is often used interchangeably for 'chop' and 'hack' when referring to the physical action of cutting something with a tool.

How hard should I strike my hand?

You don't need to strike hard enough to cause any discomfort. A light but firm tap with the pinky edge is perfectly sufficient to convey the meaning clearly.

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