How to Sign "Killing"
To sign 'killing' (or 'kill'), hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form a '1' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index finger. Thrust your dominant index finger forward underneath your non-dominant palm, brushing against the bottom of it as if piercing through.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually motivated, drawing on the physical action associated with the concept. The non-dominant flat hand acts as a stationary surface, body, or barrier. Meanwhile, the dominant index finger represents a sharp weapon, such as a knife, sword, or spear. The forward thrusting motion underneath the flat hand visually mimics the act of sliding a weapon forward to pierce or stab, clearly conveying the destructive nature of the word.
Signing Tips
Keep the motion of your dominant hand sharp and deliberate to convey the severity of the action. Ensure your non-dominant hand remains completely stationary while the dominant hand moves underneath it. Your facial expression should also match the intensity of the concept; a neutral or overly cheerful expression will look out of place when discussing something as serious as killing. Practice the sliding motion so it feels smooth but forceful.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is using this literal sign for English idioms like 'my feet are killing me', 'this joke is killing me', or 'you are killing it!' Remember that ASL translates underlying concepts, not exact English words. For physical pain, use the sign for 'hurt'. For doing a great job, use signs like 'success' or 'champ'. Another mistake is moving both hands during the sign; your non-dominant hand must stay still as the base.
Regional Variations
While the '1' handshape (index finger) is the most common and standard, some signers may initialize the sign by using a 'K' handshape for the dominant hand. However, the '1' handshape is universally understood.
Examples Using "Killing" in a Sentence
1The detective solved the killing.
Sign 'detective', 'solve', and then 'killing' to describe the crime that was figured out.
2My feet are killing me!
Do not use the literal sign for 'killing' here! Instead, sign 'my feet hurt' or 'my feet sore' to convey the true meaning of the English idiom.
3The movie was about a monster killing people.
Sign 'movie', 'about', 'monster', 'killing', and 'people'. The sign for 'killing' can be done with a sharp, intense motion to match the context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to say 'I am killing it' at work?
No, ASL translates the actual meaning rather than English slang. To say you are doing a great job, you would use signs like 'SUCCESS', 'AWESOME', or 'CHAMP'.
How do I sign 'killer'?
To sign 'killer', you first perform the sign for 'killing', and then immediately add the 'person' marker (both flat hands moving downward parallel to each other) to indicate an individual who kills.
Does my dominant hand need to touch my non-dominant hand?
Yes, your dominant index finger should lightly brush against the underside of your non-dominant hand as it slides forward to make the sign clear.
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