Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Popsicle"

To sign 'popsicle', form your dominant hand into an 'S' shape, making a closed fist. Bring your fist up to your mouth with your palm facing sideways. Move your fist slightly up and down a couple of times, mimicking the action of holding a popsicle stick and eating it.

Examples Using "Popsicle" in a Sentence

1

I want a cherry popsicle.

Sign 'I' and 'want', then sign 'cherry', and finish by bringing your fist to your mouth and moving it up and down for 'popsicle'.

2

It's hot, let's eat popsicles.

Start by signing 'hot', then 'eat', and follow up with the 'popsicle' sign to suggest a refreshing summer treat.

3

Do you like popsicles?

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'like', and then sign 'popsicle'. Remember to raise your eyebrows since this is a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Popsicle"
To sign 'popsicle', form your dominant hand into an 'S' shape, making a closed fist. Bring your fist up to your mouth with your palm facing sideways. Move your fist slightly up and down a couple of times, mimicking the action of holding a popsicle stick and eating it.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it looks exactly like the action it represents in real life. The 'S' handshape visually represents your hand tightly gripping the wooden stick of a popsicle. Meanwhile, the up-and-down movement near the mouth mimics the physical action of eating the frozen treat. Signs like this are wonderful for beginners because their visual logic makes them incredibly easy to remember and naturally intuitive to perform in conversation.
Signing Tips
When signing 'popsicle', keep the movement small and localized right in front of your mouth. You want to clearly mimic the action of holding a stick, so make sure your 'S' handshape is tight and your knuckles are facing forward. Add a pleasant facial expression to show you are enjoying a sweet treat! It helps to imagine exactly how you hold a real popsicle to keep the sign looking natural and effortless.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the up-and-down movement too large or moving your head instead of your hand. Keep your head relatively still and let your hand do the work. Another mistake is actually touching your lips with your hand; keep a small distance between your fist and your mouth. Finally, avoid using a loose grip; a firm 'S' handshape ensures it looks like you are holding a thin wooden stick.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Popsicle" in a Sentence
1

I want a cherry popsicle.

Sign 'I' and 'want', then sign 'cherry', and finish by bringing your fist to your mouth and moving it up and down for 'popsicle'.

2

It's hot, let's eat popsicles.

Start by signing 'hot', then 'eat', and follow up with the 'popsicle' sign to suggest a refreshing summer treat.

3

Do you like popsicles?

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'like', and then sign 'popsicle'. Remember to raise your eyebrows since this is a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for popsicle the same as ice cream?

They are very similar because both mimic eating a cold treat! However, 'ice cream' often involves a downward licking motion as if holding a cone, while 'popsicle' uses a straight up-and-down motion.

Do I need to stick my tongue out?

No, you do not need to stick your tongue out or physically lick your hand. The up-and-down motion of your fist near your mouth perfectly conveys the meaning on its own.

Which hand should I use to hold the imaginary popsicle?

You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to form the 'S' shape and perform the movement. Keep your non-dominant hand relaxed at your side.

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