Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Meme"

To sign *meme*, start by holding your non-dominant hand open and flat, with the palm facing your dominant side and fingers pointing up, representing a screen or picture. Form an 'M' handshape with your dominant hand by tucking your thumb under your index, middle, and ring fingers. Bring your dominant hand toward your non-dominant hand and tap the palm side of the 'M' handshape against the center of your non-dominant palm twice.

Examples Using "Meme" in a Sentence

1

That meme is so funny!

Start by pointing to indicate 'THAT', then use the initialized 'M' handshape tapping against your flat non-dominant palm for 'MEME'. Finish the sentence by signing 'FUNNY', brushing your index and middle fingers off your nose twice while showing a big smile.

2

Did you see the new meme?

Begin with the sign for 'NEW' by scooping your dominant hand into your non-dominant palm. Next, sign 'MEME' by tapping your 'M' handshape on your vertical palm. Finally, sign 'SEE' by moving your 'V' handshape forward, raising your eyebrows to ask a question.

3

I love sharing memes with my friends.

First, sign 'MEME' using the 'M' handshape on your flat palm. Then, express 'LOVE' by crossing your fists over your heart. Follow up with 'SHARE' by sweeping your dominant hand back and forth over your non-dominant index finger, and finish with 'FRIEND'.

How to Sign "Meme"
To sign *meme*, start by holding your non-dominant hand open and flat, with the palm facing your dominant side and fingers pointing up, representing a screen or picture. Form an 'M' handshape with your dominant hand by tucking your thumb under your index, middle, and ring fingers. Bring your dominant hand toward your non-dominant hand and tap the palm side of the 'M' handshape against the center of your non-dominant palm twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a great example of an initialized sign in ASL, where the first letter of the English word is incorporated into the movement. It uses the 'M' handshape to stand for 'meme'. The non-dominant hand is held flat and vertical to visually represent a computer screen, smartphone, or a picture frame—the exact places where you would typically look at and share internet memes.
Signing Tips
To make this sign look natural, ensure your 'M' handshape is clearly formed with your thumb tucked securely under your index, middle, and ring fingers. Keep your non-dominant hand completely still, acting as a solid canvas or screen, and let your dominant hand do all the moving. Tap twice lightly but distinctly—this double movement is important in ASL to show that you are referring to a noun, specifically the meme itself.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using a 'W' or '3' handshape instead of a proper 'M' handshape. Make sure your first three fingers are draped over your thumb rather than sticking straight up into the air. Another common error is moving both hands together during the sign. Remember that your non-dominant hand represents a stationary screen or picture, so it should stay perfectly still while only your dominant hand moves to tap it.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Meme" in a Sentence
1

That meme is so funny!

Start by pointing to indicate 'THAT', then use the initialized 'M' handshape tapping against your flat non-dominant palm for 'MEME'. Finish the sentence by signing 'FUNNY', brushing your index and middle fingers off your nose twice while showing a big smile.

2

Did you see the new meme?

Begin with the sign for 'NEW' by scooping your dominant hand into your non-dominant palm. Next, sign 'MEME' by tapping your 'M' handshape on your vertical palm. Finally, sign 'SEE' by moving your 'V' handshape forward, raising your eyebrows to ask a question.

3

I love sharing memes with my friends.

First, sign 'MEME' using the 'M' handshape on your flat palm. Then, express 'LOVE' by crossing your fists over your heart. Follow up with 'SHARE' by sweeping your dominant hand back and forth over your non-dominant index finger, and finish with 'FRIEND'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there another way to sign 'meme'?

Because 'meme' is a relatively recent addition to internet culture, you might see some variations. Some signers prefer to simply fingerspell M-E-M-E, while others might use the signs for 'JOKE' or 'PICTURE' if the context makes it clear. However, the initialized 'M' sign shown in this video is very popular and widely understood.

Why do we tap the hand twice for this sign?

In American Sign Language, the number of movements can change the meaning of a sign. Tapping a movement twice is a common grammatical rule used to indicate a noun. By tapping the 'M' handshape twice, you clearly establish 'meme' as a specific object or thing you are talking about.

Does my non-dominant hand have to be perfectly vertical?

Yes, keeping your non-dominant hand vertical with the fingers pointing up is important for the visual logic of the sign. This flat, upright handshape acts as a visual representation of a screen, monitor, or phone display, which perfectly supports the concept of viewing an internet meme.

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