To sign "nerd," form your dominant hand into a "1" handshape with your index finger extended and the rest of your fingers curled into a fist. Bring your hand up to your face and tap the side of your index finger against the bridge of your nose, mimicking the motion of pushing up a pair of sliding glasses.
To sign this, you would point to the person (HE), sign COMPUTER by tapping a 'C' handshape on your forearm, and then sign NERD by pushing up your imaginary glasses.
Start by pointing to yourself for 'I,' then sign BOOK by opening your flat hands like a book's pages, and finish with the sign for NERD on the bridge of your nose.
Sign MY, then BROTHER (bringing an 'L' handshape from the forehead down to your other hand), point to yourself for 'I,' and conclude the sentence with the sign for NERD.
To sign this, you would point to the person (HE), sign COMPUTER by tapping a 'C' handshape on your forearm, and then sign NERD by pushing up your imaginary glasses.
Start by pointing to yourself for 'I,' then sign BOOK by opening your flat hands like a book's pages, and finish with the sign for NERD on the bridge of your nose.
Sign MY, then BROTHER (bringing an 'L' handshape from the forehead down to your other hand), point to yourself for 'I,' and conclude the sentence with the sign for NERD.
In modern ASL, this sign is generally used as a neutral or even affectionate descriptor, much like how the word is used in English today. However, your facial expression and the context of your conversation will ultimately determine if it comes across as teasing, proud, or derogatory.
Yes, this sign is frequently used interchangeably for both 'nerd' and 'geek.' While there are a few other specific signs or fingerspelled variations for 'geek,' the action of pushing up the imaginary glasses is widely understood and accepted for both of these related concepts in everyday conversation.
You can do either! A single, deliberate push up the bridge of the nose or a quick double tap are both perfectly acceptable. Beginners often find a gentle double tap feels more natural, but both variations are commonly used by fluent signers depending on their personal signing style.
