Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Peanut Butter"

To sign peanut butter, you will combine the signs for peanut and butter. First, form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand (fist closed, thumb resting on the side). Place your thumb just in front of your mouth and flick it forward slightly. Then, hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Extend the index and middle fingers of your dominant hand, keeping them together, and swipe them across your non-dominant palm towards yourself, as if spreading butter.

Examples Using "Peanut Butter" in a Sentence

1

I want a peanut butter sandwich.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'want', then perform the compound sign for 'peanut butter' followed by the sign for 'sandwich'.

2

Do you like peanut butter?

Raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question, point to the person for 'you', sign 'like', and finish with 'peanut butter'.

3

We need to buy more peanut butter.

Sign 'we', 'need', 'buy', 'more', and then smoothly combine the signs for 'peanut' and 'butter'.

How to Sign "Peanut Butter"
To sign peanut butter, you will combine the signs for peanut and butter. First, form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand (fist closed, thumb resting on the side). Place your thumb just in front of your mouth and flick it forward slightly. Then, hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Extend the index and middle fingers of your dominant hand, keeping them together, and swipe them across your non-dominant palm towards yourself, as if spreading butter.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This is a compound sign made of two highly visual parts. The first part, 'peanut', mimics the action of cracking a peanut shell near your teeth. The second part, 'butter', visually represents a knife spreading butter across a slice of bread.
Signing Tips
When signing peanut butter, focus on a smooth transition between the two parts of the sign. You do not need to pause between 'peanut' and 'butter'; they should flow together naturally as a single compound concept. Keep your non-dominant hand relaxed but steady during the spreading motion.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use their entire flat hand for the 'butter' portion of the sign. Make sure you are only using your extended index and middle fingers (like a 'U' or 'H' handshape) to swipe across your non-dominant palm.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Peanut Butter" in a Sentence
1

I want a peanut butter sandwich.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'want', then perform the compound sign for 'peanut butter' followed by the sign for 'sandwich'.

2

Do you like peanut butter?

Raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question, point to the person for 'you', sign 'like', and finish with 'peanut butter'.

3

We need to buy more peanut butter.

Sign 'we', 'need', 'buy', 'more', and then smoothly combine the signs for 'peanut' and 'butter'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign both parts every time?

Yes, peanut butter is a compound sign. You must sign both 'peanut' and 'butter' in quick succession to convey the full meaning. If you only sign one, it simply means 'peanut' or 'butter'.

Which hand acts as the bread?

Your non-dominant hand acts as the base or the 'bread' for the buttering motion. Your dominant hand should always perform the active movements, including the thumb flick for 'peanut' and the spreading motion for 'butter'.

Can I use my whole hand to sign butter?

No, you should only use your index and middle fingers pressed together. Using your entire flat hand changes the sign completely and can lead to confusion.

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