How to Sign "Lick"

Hold your non-dominant hand open and flat, with the fingers pointing up and the palm facing sideways or slightly inward. Form your dominant hand into a 'U' shape by extending your index and middle fingers and keeping them together. Starting near the bottom of your non-dominant palm, brush your extended fingers upward along the surface, mimicking the motion of a tongue licking an object.

Examples Using "Lick" in a Sentence

1

The dog loves to lick my face.

Sign 'dog', then perform the sign for 'lick'. To make it more visually accurate, you can move the 'U' handshape to brush upward near your cheek instead of your non-dominant hand to show where the licking happens.

2

I want to lick the popsicle.

Sign 'want', then use the standard sign for 'lick' brushing up against your non-dominant hand, which acts as the imaginary popsicle.

3

Please don't lick your fingers.

Sign 'please' and 'don't', followed by the sign for 'lick'. You can emphasize the context by pointing to your fingers or modifying the lick sign to brush against your actual fingers.

How to Sign "Lick"
Hold your non-dominant hand open and flat, with the fingers pointing up and the palm facing sideways or slightly inward. Form your dominant hand into a 'U' shape by extending your index and middle fingers and keeping them together. Starting near the bottom of your non-dominant palm, brush your extended fingers upward along the surface, mimicking the motion of a tongue licking an object.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents the action it describes. The non-dominant flat hand acts as a physical surface—such as an ice cream cone, a spoon, or a hand—while the dominant 'U' handshape represents a tongue. The upward brushing motion directly mimics the physical action of licking.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for 'lick' look natural, keep your non-dominant hand steady as the 'surface' being licked. Your dominant hand's 'U' shape represents the tongue, so the upward brushing motion should be smooth. You can also slightly mimic a licking motion with your mouth to add natural facial expressions, which are a key part of ASL.
Common Mistakes
A common beginner mistake is using a single index finger instead of the 'U' handshape (index and middle fingers together). The two fingers together better represent the width of a tongue. Additionally, avoid moving both hands; your non-dominant hand should remain perfectly still.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Lick" in a Sentence
1

The dog loves to lick my face.

Sign 'dog', then perform the sign for 'lick'. To make it more visually accurate, you can move the 'U' handshape to brush upward near your cheek instead of your non-dominant hand to show where the licking happens.

2

I want to lick the popsicle.

Sign 'want', then use the standard sign for 'lick' brushing up against your non-dominant hand, which acts as the imaginary popsicle.

3

Please don't lick your fingers.

Sign 'please' and 'don't', followed by the sign for 'lick'. You can emphasize the context by pointing to your fingers or modifying the lick sign to brush against your actual fingers.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use my actual tongue when signing 'lick'?

While you don't have to stick your tongue all the way out, it is very common and encouraged to slightly mimic the licking motion with your mouth. Mouth morphemes and facial expressions add clarity and naturalness to your ASL.

Can I change the direction of the lick?

Yes! ASL is a spatial language. If you are talking about a dog licking your cheek, you can move the 'U' handshape upward near your cheek instead of on your non-dominant hand to show exactly where the action occurred.

What is the difference between 'lick' and 'taste'?

'Lick' uses the 'U' handshape brushing up against a surface to show the physical action of a tongue. 'Taste' typically uses the middle finger of an open '8' handshape tapping the chin or lower lip, focusing on the sensory experience rather than the physical motion.

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