Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Kiddo"

To sign "kiddo" (which is the same as the sign for "kid"), start by forming a "V" handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your index and middle fingers extended and slightly apart. Turn your hand so your palm faces down. Bring your hand up to your face and place the side of your extended index finger horizontally just under your nose. Gently wiggle your hand up and down a couple of times by pivoting at the wrist. The motion should look a bit like you are wiping a runny nose.

Examples Using "Kiddo" in a Sentence

1

Hey kiddo, how was school today?

To sign this, start with a friendly wave for 'hey', then sign 'kiddo' with a warm facial expression. Follow this by signing 'school', 'how', and 'today', making sure to lower your eyebrows for the 'how' question.

2

That kiddo is full of energy!

Point toward the child in question, sign 'kiddo', and then use the sign for 'energetic' or 'active'. Keep your facial expression bright and enthusiastic to match the lively meaning of the sentence.

3

My kiddos are playing outside.

Sign 'my', then 'kiddo'. To show the plural 'kiddos', you can follow it with the sign for 'children' (patting imaginary heads). Finish by signing 'play' and 'outside'.

How to Sign "Kiddo"
To sign "kiddo" (which is the same as the sign for "kid"), start by forming a "V" handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your index and middle fingers extended and slightly apart. Turn your hand so your palm faces down. Bring your hand up to your face and place the side of your extended index finger horizontally just under your nose. Gently wiggle your hand up and down a couple of times by pivoting at the wrist. The motion should look a bit like you are wiping a runny nose.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'kid' or 'kiddo' has a very literal and iconic origin. It mimics the classic image of a young child wiping a runny nose with their fingers. While it might seem a bit silly to beginners, this visual representation is a perfect example of how ASL uses everyday actions to create standardized vocabulary. Over time, this simple wiping gesture became the universally recognized sign for children.
Signing Tips
When signing 'kiddo', remember that ASL relies heavily on facial expressions to convey tone. Since 'kiddo' is an affectionate and playful English term, make sure your face reflects that warmth! Keep the movement localized to your wrist rather than moving your entire arm, which keeps the sign looking natural and fluid. Your index finger should rest lightly against your upper lip or hover just barely above it.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use their entire hand or a flat palm instead of isolating the index and middle fingers, which can look like a different gesture entirely. Another frequent mistake is moving the whole arm up and down rather than just pivoting at the wrist. Be careful not to place your fingers over your mouth or too high on your nose; the correct placement is right between the upper lip and the nose.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Kiddo" in a Sentence
1

Hey kiddo, how was school today?

To sign this, start with a friendly wave for 'hey', then sign 'kiddo' with a warm facial expression. Follow this by signing 'school', 'how', and 'today', making sure to lower your eyebrows for the 'how' question.

2

That kiddo is full of energy!

Point toward the child in question, sign 'kiddo', and then use the sign for 'energetic' or 'active'. Keep your facial expression bright and enthusiastic to match the lively meaning of the sentence.

3

My kiddos are playing outside.

Sign 'my', then 'kiddo'. To show the plural 'kiddos', you can follow it with the sign for 'children' (patting imaginary heads). Finish by signing 'play' and 'outside'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'kiddo' different from the sign for 'kid'?

No, they use the exact same sign! In ASL, you don't need a separate vocabulary word for 'kiddo'. Instead, you convey the affectionate, playful tone of the word 'kiddo' through your facial expressions and relaxed body language while making the standard sign for 'kid'.

Do I need to actually touch my face when making this sign?

You can lightly touch the space just above your upper lip with the side of your index finger, but it isn't strictly required. Many fluent signers simply hover their fingers a fraction of an inch away from their face. Do whichever feels most comfortable and natural for you.

How do I make this sign plural to say 'kiddos'?

To indicate multiple kiddos, you can sign 'kid' and then use the sign for 'children', which involves patting the imaginary heads of a few kids in front of you. Alternatively, you can sweep the 'kid' sign slightly across your signing space to show plurality.

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