How to Sign "Lord"

To sign 'lord', form an 'L' handshape with your dominant hand. Start by touching the thumb of your 'L' hand to your non-dominant shoulder. Then, move your hand diagonally downward across your torso, ending by touching your thumb to your dominant hip.

Examples Using "Lord" in a Sentence

1

Praise the Lord.

Sign 'praise' followed by the sign for 'Lord', making sure to clearly move the 'L' handshape from your non-dominant shoulder to your dominant hip.

2

He is the lord of the manor.

Use the sign for 'Lord' to describe the person holding authority, followed by the sign for 'house' or 'estate' to convey the meaning.

3

I love watching Lord of the Rings.

Sign 'Lord' followed by the sign for 'Rings' to refer to the famous fantasy series. The 'L' handshape clearly distinguishes it from 'King'.

How to Sign "Lord"
To sign 'lord', form an 'L' handshape with your dominant hand. Start by touching the thumb of your 'L' hand to your non-dominant shoulder. Then, move your hand diagonally downward across your torso, ending by touching your thumb to your dominant hip.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is an initialized version of the general sign for royalty. It uses the 'L' handshape for the English word 'Lord' and follows the path of a royal sash, which historically draped from one shoulder down to the opposite hip.
Signing Tips
Keep your 'L' handshape crisp, with your index finger pointing up and your thumb extended. The movement should be a smooth, straight diagonal line across your body, mimicking the sash worn by royalty.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the wrong handshape, such as a 'K' or 'Q', which changes the meaning to 'King' or 'Queen'. Additionally, ensure the movement starts at the non-dominant shoulder and ends at the dominant hip, rather than going straight down.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Lord" in a Sentence
1

Praise the Lord.

Sign 'praise' followed by the sign for 'Lord', making sure to clearly move the 'L' handshape from your non-dominant shoulder to your dominant hip.

2

He is the lord of the manor.

Use the sign for 'Lord' to describe the person holding authority, followed by the sign for 'house' or 'estate' to convey the meaning.

3

I love watching Lord of the Rings.

Sign 'Lord' followed by the sign for 'Rings' to refer to the famous fantasy series. The 'L' handshape clearly distinguishes it from 'King'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign only used in a religious context?

While it is very commonly used in religious settings to refer to God, it is also used in secular contexts, such as referring to a historical 'lord' or in titles like 'Lord of the Rings'.

How is this sign different from the sign for 'King'?

The movement and location are exactly the same, representing a royal sash. The only difference is the handshape: 'King' uses a 'K' handshape, while 'Lord' uses an 'L' handshape.

Does it matter which shoulder I start on?

Yes, you should always start on your non-dominant shoulder and move down to your dominant hip. If you are right-handed, start on your left shoulder and move to your right hip.

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