How to Sign "Monkey"
Bend both elbows and round your fingertips toward your armpits. Lightly brush your fingers several times along your side-body in an upward motion, like a monkey trying to scratch an itch.
Examples Using "Monkey" in a Sentence
1
Look at the monkey at the zoo!
To sign this, point or sign 'look', then bend your elbows and brush your fingertips upward along your sides for 'monkey', followed by the sign for 'zoo'.
2
The monkey is eating a banana.
Start by signing 'monkey' using the upward scratching motion on your ribs, then sign 'eat' and 'banana' to complete the thought.
3
My favorite animal is the monkey.
Sign 'my', 'favorite', and 'animal', then finish the sentence by rounding your fingers and lightly scratching your side-body for 'monkey'.
How to Sign "Monkey"
Bend both elbows and round your fingertips toward your armpits. Lightly brush your fingers several times along your side-body in an upward motion, like a monkey trying to scratch an itch.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'monkey' is highly iconic, meaning it looks exactly like the concept it represents. It directly mimics the classic, recognizable behavior of a monkey scratching its sides or armpits. By curving your fingers and brushing them upward along your ribs, you are visually recreating the playful and familiar posture of the animal.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for 'monkey' look natural, keep your shoulders relaxed and let your elbows hang loosely by your sides. Make sure your fingers are curved, almost like claws, rather than flat. The movement should be a light, quick brushing motion upward along your ribs, not a deep or aggressive scratch. Adding a playful or animated facial expression can also help convey the lively nature of the animal!
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using flat hands instead of curving their fingertips. Another frequent error is moving the hands up and down in a scrubbing motion; remember that the brush should only go in an upward direction. Finally, avoid scratching too far forward on your chest or stomach—keep the movement strictly on your side-body near your armpits.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Monkey" in a Sentence
1Look at the monkey at the zoo!
To sign this, point or sign 'look', then bend your elbows and brush your fingertips upward along your sides for 'monkey', followed by the sign for 'zoo'.
2The monkey is eating a banana.
Start by signing 'monkey' using the upward scratching motion on your ribs, then sign 'eat' and 'banana' to complete the thought.
3My favorite animal is the monkey.
Sign 'my', 'favorite', and 'animal', then finish the sentence by rounding your fingers and lightly scratching your side-body for 'monkey'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make monkey noises while signing?
No, you should never make animal noises while signing. ASL is a purely visual language. However, you can absolutely use a playful or animated facial expression to match the fun nature of the word!
How many times should I brush my sides?
Two or three quick, upward brushes are all you need. You don't need to continuously scratch your sides; a couple of light strokes clearly and efficiently communicate the word.
Should my fingers actually touch my clothes or body?
Yes, your curved fingertips should make light contact with your side-body or shirt. It shouldn't be a hard scratch, just a gentle brushing sensation as your hands move upward toward your armpits.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!