How to Sign "Nuts"

To sign *nuts*, form your dominant hand into an 'A' shape, with your thumb resting against the side of your curled index finger. Place the tip of your thumb just under your upper front teeth, then flick your thumb forward and slightly out from your mouth.

Examples Using "Nuts" in a Sentence

1

I am allergic to nuts.

Sign 'I', 'allergic', and then sign 'nuts' by flicking your thumb forward from your upper teeth. Make sure to use a serious facial expression to convey the importance of the allergy.

2

Do you want some nuts?

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'want', and then sign 'nuts'. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, as this is a yes/no question.

3

I love peanut butter.

You can use this same sign for 'peanut'. Sign 'I', 'love', 'nuts', and then 'butter' to complete the sentence.

How to Sign "Nuts"
To sign *nuts*, form your dominant hand into an 'A' shape, with your thumb resting against the side of your curled index finger. Place the tip of your thumb just under your upper front teeth, then flick your thumb forward and slightly out from your mouth.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for *nuts* visually references the act of cracking a hard nut shell with your front teeth. It also ties perfectly into the popular memory hint: imagining the sticky feeling of peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth!
Signing Tips
Make sure to use an 'A' handshape rather than a '1' (index finger) handshape. The movement should be a small, crisp flick of the thumb from behind the upper front teeth. Keep the motion contained and close to your face.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the index finger instead of the thumb, which can confuse the sign with 'apple' or 'candy' depending on the exact placement. Another mistake is placing the thumb on the chin or cheek instead of right under the upper front teeth.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Nuts" in a Sentence
1

I am allergic to nuts.

Sign 'I', 'allergic', and then sign 'nuts' by flicking your thumb forward from your upper teeth. Make sure to use a serious facial expression to convey the importance of the allergy.

2

Do you want some nuts?

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'want', and then sign 'nuts'. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, as this is a yes/no question.

3

I love peanut butter.

You can use this same sign for 'peanut'. Sign 'I', 'love', 'nuts', and then 'butter' to complete the sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sign also mean 'crazy'?

No, the sign for 'crazy' (as in the English phrase 'are you nuts?') is completely different. It involves pointing at the side of your head and making a circular motion. This sign is strictly for the food.

Can I use this sign for 'peanut'?

Yes! This sign is commonly used for both 'nut' and 'peanut'. For specific nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts, you will often fingerspell the word, but this serves as the general sign for all nuts.

Do I actually touch my teeth when signing this?

Yes, you lightly place the tip of your thumb just behind or under your upper front teeth before flicking it forward. Just be gentle so you don't accidentally bump your teeth too hard!

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