Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Jolly"

To sign *jolly*, use both hands with open, flat handshapes and palms facing your chest. Brush your hands upward against your chest a few times in an alternating motion. The movement should feel light, bouncy, and uplifting. Because American Sign Language relies heavily on facial expressions to convey tone and intensity, make sure to have a big, cheerful smile on your face. Your bright expression is what truly brings the joyful, merry meaning of the word *jolly* to life!

Examples Using "Jolly" in a Sentence

1

Santa Claus is a very jolly man.

To sign this, you would first set up the subject by signing 'SANTA CLAUS' and 'MAN'. Then, you would sign 'JOLLY' using the upward brushing motion on your chest, making sure to show a big, merry smile to emphasize his cheerful nature.

2

We had a jolly time at the holiday party.

Begin by signing 'PARTY' and 'WE'. Then, sign 'TIME' and finish with 'JOLLY'. Your facial expression should be bright and enthusiastic to show just how much fun and merriment you experienced at the event.

3

He has such a jolly personality.

Start by pointing to the person to indicate 'HE', then sign 'PERSONALITY'. Follow this up with the sign for 'JOLLY', using a warm, beaming smile to show that his overall demeanor is incredibly happy and uplifting.

How to Sign "Jolly"
To sign *jolly*, use both hands with open, flat handshapes and palms facing your chest. Brush your hands upward against your chest a few times in an alternating motion. The movement should feel light, bouncy, and uplifting. Because American Sign Language relies heavily on facial expressions to convey tone and intensity, make sure to have a big, cheerful smile on your face. Your bright expression is what truly brings the joyful, merry meaning of the word *jolly* to life!
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for *jolly* is the exact same as the sign for *happy* or *joy*. In American Sign Language, the chest area is often used to represent emotions and feelings. The upward brushing motion of the hands on the chest visually represents positive emotions, excitement, and joy bubbling up from within your heart. By using both hands and an exaggerated, cheerful facial expression, you visually demonstrate that the happiness is overflowing, perfectly capturing the essence of being truly jolly.
Signing Tips
When signing *jolly*, your facial expression is just as important as your hand movements. Since *jolly* implies a very happy, cheerful, and merry demeanor, your face should reflect that with a wide smile, raised eyebrows, and bright eyes. Make sure the movement of your hands is light, bouncy, and consistently moving in an upward direction. The upward brushing motion helps convey the feeling of happiness lifting your spirits. Putting a little extra bounce in your shoulders can also help emphasize that festive, jolly feeling.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is forgetting to use a matching facial expression. If you sign *jolly* with a blank or serious face, it completely loses its meaning and might just look like you are brushing crumbs off your shirt! Another frequent error is moving the hands downward instead of upward. In American Sign Language, downward motions on the chest often represent negative or calming feelings, while upward motions represent positive, uplifting emotions. Always remember to brush upward to show that bubbling joy.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Jolly" in a Sentence
1

Santa Claus is a very jolly man.

To sign this, you would first set up the subject by signing 'SANTA CLAUS' and 'MAN'. Then, you would sign 'JOLLY' using the upward brushing motion on your chest, making sure to show a big, merry smile to emphasize his cheerful nature.

2

We had a jolly time at the holiday party.

Begin by signing 'PARTY' and 'WE'. Then, sign 'TIME' and finish with 'JOLLY'. Your facial expression should be bright and enthusiastic to show just how much fun and merriment you experienced at the event.

3

He has such a jolly personality.

Start by pointing to the person to indicate 'HE', then sign 'PERSONALITY'. Follow this up with the sign for 'JOLLY', using a warm, beaming smile to show that his overall demeanor is incredibly happy and uplifting.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'jolly' the same as the sign for 'happy'?

Yes, they use the exact same sign! In ASL, many related concepts share a sign. The difference between 'happy' and 'jolly' is conveyed through the intensity of your facial expression and body language. A bigger smile and bouncier movement make it 'jolly'.

Can I sign this with just one hand?

While the sign for 'happy' can sometimes be done casually with just one hand, using two hands is highly recommended for 'jolly'. Using both hands emphasizes a larger, more expressive feeling of joy that fits the word perfectly.

Does the direction of the hand movement matter?

Yes, the direction is crucial! You must always brush your hands upward. Brushing downward changes the meaning entirely and doesn't convey the uplifting, bubbling feeling of joy. Upward movements on the chest generally represent positive, rising emotions.

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