Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Squirrel"

To sign "squirrel," form both hands into bent "V" shapes, where your index and middle fingers are extended and slightly bent, and your other fingers are tucked in. Bring your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing each other. Tap the tips of your bent fingers together twice.

Examples Using "Squirrel" in a Sentence

1

Look at that squirrel in the tree!

Sign "look," then sign "squirrel" by tapping your bent "V" fingers together twice, followed by the sign for "tree."

2

The squirrel is eating a nut.

Sign "squirrel" with your bent "V" hands tapping together, then use the sign for "eat" by bringing an "O" handshape to your mouth.

3

My dog loves chasing squirrels.

Sign "my dog," then sign "chase," and finish with the sign for "squirrel" to show what the dog is running after.

How to Sign "Squirrel"
To sign "squirrel," form both hands into bent "V" shapes, where your index and middle fingers are extended and slightly bent, and your other fingers are tucked in. Bring your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing each other. Tap the tips of your bent fingers together twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "squirrel" is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents the concept it describes. It perfectly mimics a squirrel holding a small nut or acorn in its front paws while quickly nibbling on it. The bent "V" fingers represent the squirrel's small claws or paws coming together. This visual connection makes it a very fun and easy sign for beginners to remember, as you can just picture the little animal enjoying its snack!
Signing Tips
When signing "squirrel," focus on keeping the movement small and quick. Make sure to use bent "V" handshapes rather than straight fingers, as this is crucial for the sign's clarity. Keep your hands relaxed but maintain the distinct bent "V" shape throughout the motion. Tapping just the tips of the fingers together perfectly mimics a squirrel's little paws holding a nut. Keep the sign centered right in front of your chest for the best visibility.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using full fists or straight "V" fingers instead of the correct bent "V" shape. Another frequent error is clapping the palms or the whole hand together rather than just tapping the tips of the bent fingers. Make sure the movement comes from bringing the hands together, rather than wiggling the fingers themselves.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Squirrel" in a Sentence
1

Look at that squirrel in the tree!

Sign "look," then sign "squirrel" by tapping your bent "V" fingers together twice, followed by the sign for "tree."

2

The squirrel is eating a nut.

Sign "squirrel" with your bent "V" hands tapping together, then use the sign for "eat" by bringing an "O" handshape to your mouth.

3

My dog loves chasing squirrels.

Sign "my dog," then sign "chase," and finish with the sign for "squirrel" to show what the dog is running after.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I tap my fingers together once or twice?

You should tap the tips of your bent "V" fingers together twice. A double movement is standard for this sign, as it is a noun.

Does it matter which hand moves?

For the sign "squirrel," both hands should move symmetrically. Bring them together so they tap at the exact same time in the center of your chest.

How bent should my fingers be?

Your index and middle fingers should be bent at the middle knuckles, forming a hook-like shape. This is commonly known as a bent "V" handshape in ASL.

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