How to Sign "Killer"

To sign "killer", start by signing the verb "kill". Hold your non-dominant hand in a "1" handshape with the index finger pointing up. With your dominant hand also in a "1" handshape, push your index finger forward so it strikes and pushes past the non-dominant index finger. Next, add the "person" marker by changing both hands to flat "B" handshapes, palms facing each other, and moving them straight down.

Examples Using "Killer" in a Sentence

1

The detective caught the killer.

To express this in ASL, you would establish the subject by signing "detective", follow it with the verb "catch", and then conclude the sentence with the sign for "killer".

2

That movie is about a famous killer.

For this sentence, you can start by signing "movie", then use the sign for "about", followed by "famous", and finish with the compound sign for "killer".

3

They are searching for the killer.

You can convey this idea by pointing to indicate "they", using the sign for "search" or "look for", and then signing "killer" to show who they are trying to find.

How to Sign "Killer"
To sign "killer", start by signing the verb "kill". Hold your non-dominant hand in a "1" handshape with the index finger pointing up. With your dominant hand also in a "1" handshape, push your index finger forward so it strikes and pushes past the non-dominant index finger. Next, add the "person" marker by changing both hands to flat "B" handshapes, palms facing each other, and moving them straight down.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a compound of two distinct parts. The first part visually represents a force or weapon striking and taking down an individual, which is represented by the upright non-dominant index finger. The second part is the standard ASL "agent suffix", which outlines the shape of a person's body to change an action into a person performing that action.
Signing Tips
Make sure the motion for the first part of the sign is sharp and deliberate, reflecting the serious nature of the word. When transitioning to the "person" marker, keep the downward movement of your flat hands smooth and parallel to clearly indicate an individual.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake for beginners is forgetting to add the "person" marker at the end of the movement. Without the downward motion of the flat hands, you are only signing the action verb "kill" instead of the noun "killer".
Regional Variations
There are a few variations for the "kill" portion of the sign. Some signers use a flat non-dominant hand, palm facing down, and slide the dominant index finger underneath it. However, the version shown here with two index fingers is widely understood.
Examples Using "Killer" in a Sentence
1

The detective caught the killer.

To express this in ASL, you would establish the subject by signing "detective", follow it with the verb "catch", and then conclude the sentence with the sign for "killer".

2

That movie is about a famous killer.

For this sentence, you can start by signing "movie", then use the sign for "about", followed by "famous", and finish with the compound sign for "killer".

3

They are searching for the killer.

You can convey this idea by pointing to indicate "they", using the sign for "search" or "look for", and then signing "killer" to show who they are trying to find.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between "kill" and "killer"?

The word "kill" is an action verb, which is represented by just the first part of the sign. To change the meaning to "killer", you must add the "person" marker at the end by moving two flat hands downward, indicating the person performing the action.

Can I use this sign for figurative meanings, like "a killer workout"?

It is best to avoid using this literal sign for slang or figurative English phrases. ASL relies on conveying the actual meaning of the concept. For "a killer workout", you would use signs that convey "hard", "intense", or "awesome" instead.

Why do we use the flat hands moving down?

The flat hands moving downward represent the sides of a person's body. This is known as the "agent suffix" or "person marker" in ASL. It is a common grammatical tool used to change a verb (like "teach" or "kill") into a noun (like "teacher" or "killer").

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