Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Laugh"

With your dominant hand, make a fist, then release your index finger and thumb, as though making an L. As you smile, bring your index finger to the corner of your mouth. Quickly brush it upward several times toward your cheek. Smiling is an important facial expression for this sign.

Examples Using "Laugh" in a Sentence

1

That joke made me laugh.

Sign 'joke' then use the 'L' handshape brushing up from the corner of your mouth for 'laugh,' making sure to show a genuine smile to match the meaning.

2

We laughed so hard yesterday.

Sign 'yesterday,' point to yourselves for 'we,' and then sign 'laugh' with an exaggerated upward brushing motion and a big smile to show the intensity of the laughter.

3

Are you laughing at me?

Point to the person, sign 'laugh' while brushing the 'L' handshape up from your mouth, and point to yourself, using raised eyebrows and a slight forward lean to indicate a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Laugh"
With your dominant hand, make a fist, then release your index finger and thumb, as though making an L. As you smile, bring your index finger to the corner of your mouth. Quickly brush it upward several times toward your cheek. Smiling is an important facial expression for this sign.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'laugh' is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents the physical act it describes. When a person smiles or laughs out loud, the corners of their mouth naturally pull upward. The index finger of the 'L' handshape traces this exact upward curve of the mouth. The repeated, quick brushing motion mimics the continuous, uplifting, and joyful energy of laughter. By physically drawing the shape of a smile on your face, the sign perfectly captures the essence of laughing.
Signing Tips
Focus heavily on your facial expression, as it carries half the meaning of this word. The sign for 'laugh' relies on your face to convey the emotion accurately. Make sure you are genuinely smiling while bringing your index finger to the corner of your mouth. Keep your 'L' handshape relaxed but clear, and use a quick, light brushing motion upward toward your cheek. Avoid pressing your finger firmly into your skin; the movement should be a swift, repetitive graze that feels natural and lighthearted.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is forgetting the facial expression. Signing 'laugh' with a blank, flat, or serious face contradicts the meaning of the word and confuses the viewer. Another frequent error is using the wrong handshape, such as a simple '1' (index finger only) instead of the required 'L' handshape with the thumb extended. Finally, make sure your brushing motion goes upward toward the cheek, not downward toward the chin, as the upward motion reflects the physical lifting of a smile.
Regional Variations
While the one-handed 'L' handshape is very common, you might see contextual variations. Some signers use a two-handed version, placing 'L' handshapes at both corners of the mouth simultaneously to emphasize a bigger laugh. Another variation uses '4' handshapes brushing upward on the cheeks to represent a hearty, uncontrollable laugh.
Examples Using "Laugh" in a Sentence
1

That joke made me laugh.

Sign 'joke' then use the 'L' handshape brushing up from the corner of your mouth for 'laugh,' making sure to show a genuine smile to match the meaning.

2

We laughed so hard yesterday.

Sign 'yesterday,' point to yourselves for 'we,' and then sign 'laugh' with an exaggerated upward brushing motion and a big smile to show the intensity of the laughter.

3

Are you laughing at me?

Point to the person, sign 'laugh' while brushing the 'L' handshape up from your mouth, and point to yourself, using raised eyebrows and a slight forward lean to indicate a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to smile when signing 'laugh'?

Yes, absolutely! In ASL, facial expressions are a crucial part of the language's grammar and vocabulary. Signing 'laugh' with a blank face looks unnatural and can confuse the person you are communicating with. Always match your face to the joyful emotion of the sign.

Can I use both hands to sign 'laugh'?

The version taught here uses just your dominant hand with an 'L' handshape, which is standard. However, if you want to emphasize a very big, roaring laugh, you might see signers use both hands at the corners of their mouth. For everyday conversation, the one-handed version is perfect.

How hard should I press on my cheek?

You shouldn't press hard at all. The movement should be a light, quick brushing motion upward from the corner of your mouth toward your cheek. Keep your hand and wrist relaxed so the repeated movement looks natural, fluid, and effortless.

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