How to Sign "Sticker"

To sign 'sticker', start with your non-dominant hand open and flat, with the palm facing sideways, representing a surface like a piece of paper. Form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your thumb extended. Bring your dominant hand toward your non-dominant hand and press the pad of your thumb firmly against the open palm, mimicking the action of placing a sticker onto a surface.

Examples Using "Sticker" in a Sentence

1

I put a sticker on my laptop.

Sign 'laptop', then use the sign for 'sticker', pressing your thumb against your palm to show the action of placing it.

2

Do you want a sticker?

Point to the person, sign 'want', and then sign 'sticker' while raising your eyebrows and leaning forward to ask a yes/no question.

3

The teacher gave me a gold star sticker.

Sign 'teacher', 'give-me', 'gold', 'star', and finish with the sign for 'sticker' to complete the description.

How to Sign "Sticker"
To sign 'sticker', start with your non-dominant hand open and flat, with the palm facing sideways, representing a surface like a piece of paper. Form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your thumb extended. Bring your dominant hand toward your non-dominant hand and press the pad of your thumb firmly against the open palm, mimicking the action of placing a sticker onto a surface.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually logical. The non-dominant flat hand represents a physical surface, such as a piece of paper, a notebook, or a wall. The dominant hand's thumb represents the sticker itself, and the pressing motion visually mimics the real-world action of pressing a sticky label onto that surface.
Signing Tips
Make sure your non-dominant hand stays still and firm, acting as a solid surface. The movement should come entirely from your dominant hand pressing the thumb into the palm. You can adjust the location of your non-dominant hand slightly if you are showing where a sticker is being placed in space.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using a flat hand for the dominant hand instead of the 'A' handshape with the extended thumb. Another mistake is tapping the thumb multiple times; the sign for 'sticker' usually involves a single, deliberate pressing motion to show it sticking to the surface.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Sticker" in a Sentence
1

I put a sticker on my laptop.

Sign 'laptop', then use the sign for 'sticker', pressing your thumb against your palm to show the action of placing it.

2

Do you want a sticker?

Point to the person, sign 'want', and then sign 'sticker' while raising your eyebrows and leaning forward to ask a yes/no question.

3

The teacher gave me a gold star sticker.

Sign 'teacher', 'give-me', 'gold', 'star', and finish with the sign for 'sticker' to complete the description.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'sticker' the same as 'stamp'?

Yes, the sign for 'sticker' is often the exact same as the sign for a postage 'stamp'. Both use the thumb pressing into the open palm to show affixing something small and sticky to a surface.

Does it matter which hand I use to press the thumb?

You should always use your dominant hand to do the moving and pressing. Your non-dominant hand acts as the stationary surface. If you are right-handed, your right thumb will press into your left palm.

Can I show where the sticker is placed?

Absolutely! While the standard sign is done in front of your chest, you can move the sign to a specific location on your body or in space to indicate exactly where a sticker was put.

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