How to Sign "Suicide"

This sign is a compound of the words KILL and SELF. First, hold your non-dominant hand in a '1' handshape with the index finger pointing up. With your dominant hand in an 'A' handshape, strike the side of your non-dominant index finger as you move it outward. Then, change both hands into 'A' handshapes with the thumbs pointing straight up, and move them downwards together in a short, firm motion in front of your chest.

Examples Using "Suicide" in a Sentence

1

The suicide rate has decreased this year.

Sign 'suicide', then 'rate', followed by 'decrease' and 'this year'.

2

He wrote a book about suicide prevention.

Sign 'he', 'write', 'book', 'about', 'suicide', and 'prevent'.

3

If you are struggling, there is a suicide hotline you can call.

Sign 'suicide', 'hotline', 'available', 'for', 'call'.

How to Sign "Suicide"
This sign is a compound of the words KILL and SELF. First, hold your non-dominant hand in a '1' handshape with the index finger pointing up. With your dominant hand in an 'A' handshape, strike the side of your non-dominant index finger as you move it outward. Then, change both hands into 'A' handshapes with the thumbs pointing straight up, and move them downwards together in a short, firm motion in front of your chest.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This is a compound sign made of two distinct concepts: KILL and SELF. The first part visually represents striking or cutting down, while the second part uses the standard ASL sign for 'self', literally translating to the concept of killing oneself.
Signing Tips
Focus on a smooth transition between the two parts of this compound sign. The outward striking motion of 'kill' should flow naturally into bringing both hands together for the downward motion of 'self'.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is pointing the thumbs toward yourself during the second part of the sign. Remember that for the 'self' portion, both thumbs should point straight up as your hands move downward.
Regional Variations
Some signers may use an 'S' handshape twisting at the side of the neck or a 'gun' handshape pointed at the head, but 'KILL + SELF' is a standard, widely accepted, and clear compound sign.
Examples Using "Suicide" in a Sentence
1

The suicide rate has decreased this year.

Sign 'suicide', then 'rate', followed by 'decrease' and 'this year'.

2

He wrote a book about suicide prevention.

Sign 'he', 'write', 'book', 'about', 'suicide', and 'prevent'.

3

If you are struggling, there is a suicide hotline you can call.

Sign 'suicide', 'hotline', 'available', 'for', 'call'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there two parts to this sign?

This is a compound sign in ASL. It combines the signs for 'kill' and 'self' to literally express the concept of taking one's own life.

Can I just sign 'kill' and point to myself?

While signing 'kill' and then pointing to yourself with an index finger might be understood in context, using the formal two-handed 'A' handshape for 'self' is the grammatically correct way to sign this specific compound word.

Do my thumbs need to point up for the second part?

Yes, during the 'self' portion of the sign, both hands should be in 'A' handshapes with the thumbs pointing straight up as they move downward in front of your chest.

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