Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Obsession"

To sign 'obsession', start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form a bent 'V' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your index and middle fingers extended and bent. Repeatedly tap the bent fingers of your dominant hand against the back of your non-dominant hand.

Examples Using "Obsession" in a Sentence

1

He has an obsession with video games.

Sign 'HE', then 'VIDEO GAME', followed by 'OBSESSION' to show his intense focus on it.

2

My current obsession is reading.

Point to yourself for 'MY', sign 'NOW', 'READ', and then 'OBSESSION' to express your current intense interest.

3

Try not to obsess over the small details.

Sign 'SMALL', 'DETAIL', 'OBSESSION', and then shake your head or sign 'STOP' to indicate not dwelling on them.

How to Sign "Obsession"
To sign 'obsession', start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form a bent 'V' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your index and middle fingers extended and bent. Repeatedly tap the bent fingers of your dominant hand against the back of your non-dominant hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The flat non-dominant hand acts as a surface or foundation, while the dominant bent 'V' handshape represents a person or a thought firmly planted in one spot. The repeated tapping or pressing down illustrates the idea of being fixated, stuck, or persistently dwelling on a single topic.
Signing Tips
Keep your non-dominant hand steady and flat to serve as a solid base. The tapping motion of your dominant hand should be deliberate and repetitive, reflecting the persistent nature of an obsession or dwelling on a thought. Pair the sign with an intense facial expression, such as furrowed brows, to convey the strong focus associated with the word.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using a straight 'V' or 'U' handshape instead of bending the index and middle fingers, which can make the sign look like 'sit' or 'chair'. Additionally, make sure you are tapping the back of your non-dominant hand, not the palm, and keep your non-dominant hand completely stationary throughout the movement.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Obsession" in a Sentence
1

He has an obsession with video games.

Sign 'HE', then 'VIDEO GAME', followed by 'OBSESSION' to show his intense focus on it.

2

My current obsession is reading.

Point to yourself for 'MY', sign 'NOW', 'READ', and then 'OBSESSION' to express your current intense interest.

3

Try not to obsess over the small details.

Sign 'SMALL', 'DETAIL', 'OBSESSION', and then shake your head or sign 'STOP' to indicate not dwelling on them.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can this sign be used for 'obsess' as well as 'obsession'?

Yes, this sign functions as both the noun 'obsession' and the verb 'obsess.' The context of your sentence and your facial expressions will make the exact meaning clear to the person you are signing with.

What is the difference between this sign and the sign for 'sit'?

While both signs involve one hand resting on another, 'sit' uses a straight 'U' or 'H' handshape resting on the non-dominant 'U' or 'H' handshape. 'Obsession' uses a bent 'V' handshape tapping on the back of a flat non-dominant hand.

Does facial expression matter when signing 'obsession'?

Absolutely! Your facial expression should match the intensity of the obsession. A neutral face might imply a mild fixation, while furrowed brows and intense eyes convey a strong, persistent, or even unhealthy obsession.

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