Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Popular"

To sign "popular," hold up your non-dominant index finger pointing toward the ceiling. With your dominant hand in an open "5" handshape (fingers spread), bring it forward to repeatedly strike or tap against your non-dominant index finger. The fingers of your dominant hand should point upward and slightly wrap around the index finger as they hit. Keep your non-dominant hand completely still during the sign. The motion should come entirely from your dominant hand moving inward to represent a crowd flocking to one spot.

Examples Using "Popular" in a Sentence

1

That movie is very popular.

To sign this, point to the object to establish 'THAT MOVIE,' then sign 'popular.' Use an exaggerated, excited facial expression and a slightly stronger tapping motion to emphasize the word 'very.'

2

She is a popular teacher.

First, point to the person to indicate 'SHE,' then sign 'TEACHER.' Finish the sentence by signing 'popular.' Remember to keep your non-dominant index finger steady while your dominant hand taps it.

3

Is this restaurant popular?

Sign 'THIS RESTAURANT' and then 'popular.' Since this is a yes/no question, make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly while signing 'popular' to show you are asking a question.

How to Sign "Popular"
To sign "popular," hold up your non-dominant index finger pointing toward the ceiling. With your dominant hand in an open "5" handshape (fingers spread), bring it forward to repeatedly strike or tap against your non-dominant index finger. The fingers of your dominant hand should point upward and slightly wrap around the index finger as they hit. Keep your non-dominant hand completely still during the sign. The motion should come entirely from your dominant hand moving inward to represent a crowd flocking to one spot.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'popular' is highly visual and iconic. Your non-dominant index finger represents a single person, idea, or central figure. Your dominant hand, with its fingers spread wide in a '5' handshape, represents a large crowd of people. When the 'crowd' repeatedly moves toward and gathers around the single 'person,' it perfectly illustrates the concept of being popular or well-liked.
Signing Tips
When signing 'popular,' make sure your non-dominant hand stays firmly in place like a post. All the movement should come from your dominant hand. Keep the fingers of your dominant hand spread wide open to clearly represent a large group or crowd. A crisp, double tap against your index finger looks much more natural than a slow or single motion.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is moving both hands toward each other. Remember that the non-dominant index finger must stay completely stationary. Another mistake is keeping the fingers of the dominant hand closed together; they need to be spread apart in a clear '5' handshape to properly convey the meaning of the sign.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Popular" in a Sentence
1

That movie is very popular.

To sign this, point to the object to establish 'THAT MOVIE,' then sign 'popular.' Use an exaggerated, excited facial expression and a slightly stronger tapping motion to emphasize the word 'very.'

2

She is a popular teacher.

First, point to the person to indicate 'SHE,' then sign 'TEACHER.' Finish the sentence by signing 'popular.' Remember to keep your non-dominant index finger steady while your dominant hand taps it.

3

Is this restaurant popular?

Sign 'THIS RESTAURANT' and then 'popular.' Since this is a yes/no question, make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly while signing 'popular' to show you are asking a question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for things as well as people?

Yes, absolutely! You can use this sign to describe a popular person, a trending movie, a busy restaurant, or a viral idea. The sign remains exactly the same regardless of the subject.

How many times should I tap my finger?

A standard, natural execution of this sign uses two quick taps. If you want to emphasize that something is incredibly popular, you might use a slightly larger, more forceful movement, but two taps is the standard.

Does it matter which hand is the index finger?

Yes, hand dominance is important here. You should always use your non-dominant hand as the stationary index finger. Your dominant hand should be the open '5' handshape that does the moving and tapping.

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