How to Sign "Kisses"
To sign 'kisses', form both hands into flattened 'O' shapes, where your fingertips are pressed against your thumbs. Bring your hands together in front of your chest so that the fingertips of both hands touch each other. Tap the fingertips together twice to represent the action.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it visually mimics the action it represents. The two flattened 'O' handshapes are used as classifiers to symbolize two mouths or two heads coming together. By bringing the fingertips to meet in the center, it perfectly illustrates a mutual kiss. The repeated tapping motion adds the grammatical element of plurality or continuous action, transforming a single 'kiss' into multiple 'kisses' or the ongoing act of kissing.
Signing Tips
To make this sign look natural, keep the movement light and crisp when tapping your fingertips together. Ensure your hands are comfortably centered in the neutral space in front of your chest, rather than bringing them too high up near your face. The double tap is important because it emphasizes the plural 'kisses' or the ongoing action of kissing. Relax your shoulders and maintain a warm facial expression to match the affectionate tone of the sign.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is bringing their hands all the way up to touch their actual mouth. While there is a variation of 'kiss' that starts at the lips, this specific two-handed sign should stay in the neutral space in front of your chest. Additionally, be careful not to use flat hands or loose fingers; make sure your fingertips are firmly pinched to your thumbs in a flattened 'O' shape to clearly represent the mouths.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Kisses" in a Sentence
1The couple shared a few kisses.
Sign 'couple' followed by 'kisses' to describe their mutual affection. The two-handed nature of this sign perfectly captures the idea of two people coming together to share a romantic moment.
2Sending you hugs and kisses.
Use this sign alongside the sign for 'hugs' to convey warm wishes to a friend or family member. The repeated tapping motion emphasizes that you are sending multiple kisses their way.
3They were kissing in the park.
This sign also works beautifully for the continuous verb 'kissing'. The double tapping motion naturally shows the repeated or ongoing action of two people kissing each other in a shared setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign different from the sign for a single 'kiss'?
Yes! A single 'kiss' is often signed with just one tap, or by touching your fingertips to your mouth and then to your cheek. The double tap with both hands meeting perfectly represents multiple 'kisses' or a mutual exchange between two people.
Do I need to make a kissing face while signing this?
You don't have to make an exaggerated kissing face or pucker your lips, but your facial expression should match the context. A warm, pleasant, or affectionate smile works best to convey the loving meaning behind the word.
Can I use this sign to mean 'kissing'?
Absolutely! Because the sign visually demonstrates the continuous or repeated action of mouths coming together, it works perfectly for the verb 'kissing' as well as the plural noun 'kisses'. The repeated motion implies an ongoing activity.
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