To sign 'literally,' form an index finger (the '1' handshape) with your dominant hand. Place the side of your index finger near your chin, with your palm facing sideways. Move your hand straight forward away from your face in a single, firm motion.
Sign 'literally' by moving your index finger forward from your chin, then sign 'just' and 'wake up' to emphasize how recently it happened.
Use 'literally' to add strong emphasis, starting at the chin and moving forward, followed by 'best' and 'movie'.
Sign 'literally' to show you mean it as a strong fact, then sign 'cold' or 'freezing' with an exaggerated facial expression.
Sign 'literally' by moving your index finger forward from your chin, then sign 'just' and 'wake up' to emphasize how recently it happened.
Use 'literally' to add strong emphasis, starting at the chin and moving forward, followed by 'best' and 'movie'.
Sign 'literally' to show you mean it as a strong fact, then sign 'cold' or 'freezing' with an exaggerated facial expression.
Yes, in ASL, the concept of 'literally' is often signed using the same sign as 'true,' 'really,' or 'actually,' as they all convey that something is an absolute fact.
In English slang, 'literally' is often used for exaggeration. In ASL, if you are exaggerating, it is usually better to use exaggerated facial expressions or signs like 'wow' rather than this sign, which implies strict factual accuracy.
It doesn't have to press hard against your chin, but it should start very close to or lightly touching the chin before moving forward to ensure the sign is easily recognized.
