Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Kid"

To sign 'kid,' form a 'horns' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index and pinky fingers while curling your middle and ring fingers inward. Bring your hand up to your face and place the side of your extended index finger horizontally just under your nose, with your palm facing down. Gently wiggle or pivot your hand side to side a couple of times at the wrist. This motion mimics wiping a runny nose.

Examples Using "Kid" in a Sentence

1

My kid is at school.

Start by signing 'MY' with a flat hand on your chest, then sign 'KID' by wiggling your index finger under your nose. Finish by signing 'SCHOOL' by clapping your hands together twice.

2

How many kids do you have?

Sign 'YOU', 'HAVE', and then 'KID'. To show plurality, you can sweep the 'kid' sign slightly to the side. Finish with 'HOW-MANY' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a question.

3

That kid is funny.

Point to the person to establish 'THAT', sign 'KID' under your nose, and then sign 'FUNNY' by brushing your nose with your index and middle fingers while smiling.

How to Sign "Kid"
To sign 'kid,' form a 'horns' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index and pinky fingers while curling your middle and ring fingers inward. Bring your hand up to your face and place the side of your extended index finger horizontally just under your nose, with your palm facing down. Gently wiggle or pivot your hand side to side a couple of times at the wrist. This motion mimics wiping a runny nose.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'kid' is highly iconic and rooted in a very relatable visual: wiping a runny nose. Young children are notoriously prone to having sniffles, and the horizontal placement of the index finger mimics a quick swipe across the upper lip. Over time, this natural gesture evolved into the formalized ASL sign we use today.
Signing Tips
When signing 'kid,' make sure the movement is small and relaxed. The pivot should happen entirely at your wrist, keeping your forearm relatively still. Keep your index finger lightly touching or hovering just barely below your nose so the placement is clear. Don't worry if your thumb sticks out a little bit; as long as the index and pinky are the main extended fingers, the sign will be perfectly understood.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using their entire hand or a full flat palm to wipe their nose, which looks more like you are actually wiping your face rather than signing. Another frequent error is making the wiggling motion too large and moving the whole arm instead of just pivoting the wrist. Keep the handshape distinct and the movement contained.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Kid" in a Sentence
1

My kid is at school.

Start by signing 'MY' with a flat hand on your chest, then sign 'KID' by wiggling your index finger under your nose. Finish by signing 'SCHOOL' by clapping your hands together twice.

2

How many kids do you have?

Sign 'YOU', 'HAVE', and then 'KID'. To show plurality, you can sweep the 'kid' sign slightly to the side. Finish with 'HOW-MANY' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a question.

3

That kid is funny.

Point to the person to establish 'THAT', sign 'KID' under your nose, and then sign 'FUNNY' by brushing your nose with your index and middle fingers while smiling.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for 'child'?

Yes! While there is a separate, more formal sign for 'child' (which looks like patting an imaginary child on the head), the sign for 'kid' is widely used in everyday conversation to mean the exact same thing.

How do I sign 'kids' (plural)?

To indicate more than one kid, you can sign 'kid' and then add the sign for 'many,' or you can sign 'kid' and sweep your hand slightly to the side to represent a group of children.

Does it matter which hand I use?

You should always use your dominant hand for one-handed signs like 'kid.' If you are right-handed, use your right hand under your nose; if left-handed, use your left. Consistency helps make your signing clear.

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