How to Sign "President"

Start with both hands in open '5' or 'C' shapes in front of your forehead, palms facing slightly inward. Pull both hands outward to the sides of your head while simultaneously closing them into 'S' handshapes (fists). The motion mimics grabbing the sides of a large, tall hat.

Examples Using "President" in a Sentence

1

Who is the president?

To sign this, sign 'president' by pulling your hands outward into fists at your forehead, and then sign 'who' at your chin while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a WH-question.

2

She is the class president.

First, establish the context by signing 'class' with both 'C' hands making a circle. Then point to the person to indicate 'she' and sign 'president'.

3

The president will visit tomorrow.

Sign 'tomorrow' by moving your 'A' hand thumb forward from your cheek, then sign 'president', and finish with the sign for 'visit' moving outward.

How to Sign "President"
Start with both hands in open '5' or 'C' shapes in front of your forehead, palms facing slightly inward. Pull both hands outward to the sides of your head while simultaneously closing them into 'S' handshapes (fists). The motion mimics grabbing the sides of a large, tall hat.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'president' is a great example of ASL's historical roots. The motion of pulling your hands outward from your forehead to form fists represents the shape of a tall, black stovepipe hat. This was the iconic style of hat famously worn by Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States.
Signing Tips
Focus on a smooth, symmetrical movement. Make sure your hands start up near your forehead—not down by your chest—to properly convey the idea of a tall hat. The transition from open hands to closed fists should happen gradually as you pull your hands outward to the sides.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often start this sign too low on the face or body. Remember that it visually represents a hat, so it must be signed at the forehead level. Another common error is keeping the hands open the entire time instead of closing them into firm fists at the end of the movement.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "President" in a Sentence
1

Who is the president?

To sign this, sign 'president' by pulling your hands outward into fists at your forehead, and then sign 'who' at your chin while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a WH-question.

2

She is the class president.

First, establish the context by signing 'class' with both 'C' hands making a circle. Then point to the person to indicate 'she' and sign 'president'.

3

The president will visit tomorrow.

Sign 'tomorrow' by moving your 'A' hand thumb forward from your cheek, then sign 'president', and finish with the sign for 'visit' moving outward.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for the president of a club or company?

Absolutely! Even though the sign's history is tied to Abraham Lincoln, it is the standard ASL word for any president, whether it's the leader of a country, a corporation, or a high school club.

Do I have to use both hands?

Yes, 'president' is a two-handed, symmetrical sign. Using only one hand would look incorrect and could make it difficult for fluent signers to understand what you are trying to say.

How is this different from the sign for 'deer'?

Both signs happen near the head, but 'deer' uses open '5' hands touching the head to represent antlers. For 'president', your hands start in front of the forehead and pull outward while closing into fists.

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