Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Mississippi"

To sign 'Mississippi,' you will fingerspell its two-letter postal abbreviation, 'M-S.' Start by forming the letter 'M' with your dominant hand, resting your first three fingers over your thumb. Then, transition smoothly into the letter 'S' by making a fist and wrapping your thumb across the front of your fingers. Keep your hand steady as you change handshapes.

Examples Using "Mississippi" in a Sentence

1

I am traveling to Mississippi.

Sign 'I', 'travel', 'to', and then fingerspell 'M-S' for Mississippi.

2

Mississippi is hot in the summer.

Fingerspell 'M-S', then sign 'hot', 'during', and 'summer'.

3

Were you born in Mississippi?

Sign 'You', 'born', 'in', and 'M-S', while raising your eyebrows to ask a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Mississippi"
To sign 'Mississippi,' you will fingerspell its two-letter postal abbreviation, 'M-S.' Start by forming the letter 'M' with your dominant hand, resting your first three fingers over your thumb. Then, transition smoothly into the letter 'S' by making a fist and wrapping your thumb across the front of your fingers. Keep your hand steady as you change handshapes.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a direct borrowing from the English language, utilizing the standard two-letter postal abbreviation for the state of Mississippi (MS). In ASL, using these postal codes is a highly common and efficient way to sign many state names, saving time and effort compared to spelling out the entire word.
Signing Tips
When fingerspelling state abbreviations like 'M-S,' keep your hand in a comfortable, stationary position near your upper chest or shoulder. You do not need to bounce or move your hand outward between the letters. Focus on a smooth, fluid transition from the 'M' handshape directly into the 'S' handshape for clarity.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is bouncing their hand up and down for each letter, which can make the fingerspelling difficult to read. Another frequent error is mixing up the abbreviation with other states that start with 'M,' such as signing 'M-I' (Michigan) or 'M-O' (Missouri) instead of 'M-S'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Mississippi" in a Sentence
1

I am traveling to Mississippi.

Sign 'I', 'travel', 'to', and then fingerspell 'M-S' for Mississippi.

2

Mississippi is hot in the summer.

Fingerspell 'M-S', then sign 'hot', 'during', and 'summer'.

3

Were you born in Mississippi?

Sign 'You', 'born', 'in', and 'M-S', while raising your eyebrows to ask a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I ever need to spell out the entire word 'Mississippi'?

No, it is very rare to spell out the full name. In ASL, many states are simply referred to by their two-letter postal abbreviations. For Mississippi, signing 'M-S' is the standard and most widely understood method.

Should I move my hand when transitioning between the two letters?

Try to keep your hand relatively still in one place. Bouncing or pushing your hand forward for each letter can make it difficult for others to read your fingerspelling. Focus on a smooth change of the fingers.

How can I avoid confusing Mississippi with other 'M' states?

It helps to memorize the standard US postal abbreviations, as ASL relies on them for many state names. Practicing the 'M' states together—like 'M-S' for Mississippi, 'M-I' for Michigan, and 'M-O' for Missouri—can help you keep them straight.

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