Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Lunch"

the sign 'lunch' combines two signs. Bring the non-dominant arm up and stretch it against the chest. Rest the elbow of the dominant arm against the fist of the non-dominant hand. Pinch the fingertips of the dominant hand together. Bring the hand up to the mouth and tap the lips once to sign 'eat'. Bring the dominant hand out, flattening it so the fingers point straight up, to sign 'noon'.

Examples Using "Lunch" in a Sentence

1

What time is lunch?

To sign this, use the sign for 'TIME', then perform the compound sign for 'LUNCH' by tapping your mouth and forming the 'NOON' position. Since it is a 'wh-' question, remember to furrow your eyebrows and hold the last sign slightly.

2

I brought my lunch today.

Point to yourself to sign 'I', use the two-handed directional sign for 'BRING' moving toward your body, and then sign 'LUNCH' by combining the 'EAT' and 'NOON' movements. Finish the sentence with the sign for 'TODAY'.

3

Let's eat lunch together.

Start by pointing between yourself and the other person for 'WE', then perform the two-part sign for 'LUNCH' (tapping your pinched fingers to your lips, then resting your elbow to sign 'NOON'). Finish with the circular motion for 'TOGETHER'.

How to Sign "Lunch"
the sign 'lunch' combines two signs. Bring the non-dominant arm up and stretch it against the chest. Rest the elbow of the dominant arm against the fist of the non-dominant hand. Pinch the fingertips of the dominant hand together. Bring the hand up to the mouth and tap the lips once to sign 'eat'. Bring the dominant hand out, flattening it so the fingers point straight up, to sign 'noon'.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'lunch' is a classic compound sign in ASL, literally translating to the concept of 'eat noon.' The first part of the sign mimics the physical action of putting food into your mouth. The second part represents the time of day: your non-dominant arm acts as the horizon, and your dominant arm stands straight up, symbolizing the sun at its highest point in the sky.
Signing Tips
When signing 'lunch,' focus on a smooth, fluid transition between the two parts. You do not need to drop your hands completely between 'eat' and 'noon.' After tapping your lips with your pinched fingertips, smoothly bring your dominant elbow down to rest on your non-dominant hand while opening your hand flat to point upward. Keep your non-dominant arm steady across your chest to act as a clear horizon line.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is rushing the sign and blending the two distinct parts too much, making it look sloppy. Make sure to clearly tap the mouth first before transitioning to the 'noon' handshape. Another frequent error is pointing the dominant hand forward instead of straight up during the 'noon' portion; remember, the fingers must point directly to the sky.
Regional Variations
While the 'eat' plus 'noon' compound sign is widely used and highly visual, you may also see an initialized version in some regions. This variation uses the 'L' handshape tapping near the mouth or chin. However, the compound version taught here is often preferred because it relies on visual concepts rather than English letters.
Examples Using "Lunch" in a Sentence
1

What time is lunch?

To sign this, use the sign for 'TIME', then perform the compound sign for 'LUNCH' by tapping your mouth and forming the 'NOON' position. Since it is a 'wh-' question, remember to furrow your eyebrows and hold the last sign slightly.

2

I brought my lunch today.

Point to yourself to sign 'I', use the two-handed directional sign for 'BRING' moving toward your body, and then sign 'LUNCH' by combining the 'EAT' and 'NOON' movements. Finish the sentence with the sign for 'TODAY'.

3

Let's eat lunch together.

Start by pointing between yourself and the other person for 'WE', then perform the two-part sign for 'LUNCH' (tapping your pinched fingers to your lips, then resting your elbow to sign 'NOON'). Finish with the circular motion for 'TOGETHER'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign both 'eat' and 'noon' every time?

Yes, for this specific version of the sign, both parts are required. 'Lunch' is a compound word in ASL made by combining 'eat' and 'noon.' Leaving out 'noon' would simply mean 'eat' or 'food.'

Can I use my left hand to sign this?

Absolutely! You should always use your natural dominant hand for the main action. If you are left-handed, your left hand will tap your mouth and point up for 'noon,' while your right arm acts as the horizon across your chest.

Why does my non-dominant arm need to be across my chest?

Your non-dominant arm represents the horizon line. When your dominant elbow rests on it with your fingers pointing straight up, it visually represents the sun sitting high in the sky at midday, which forms the 'noon' part of 'lunch.'

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