Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Swear"

To sign *swear* (meaning to use profanity or curse words), hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the index finger extended and pointing across your body. Form a 'Y' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your thumb and pinky finger. Strike the palm-side of your dominant 'Y' hand sharply outward against the side of your non-dominant index finger. The dominant hand moves away from your body as it brushes off the stationary finger.

Examples Using "Swear" in a Sentence

1

Please don't swear in front of the children.

To express this, you would sign 'PLEASE', 'DON'T', and then perform the sign for 'SWEAR' by striking your dominant 'Y' hand off your non-dominant index finger. Finish the sentence by signing 'CHILDREN'. This clearly communicates that bad language is not allowed around kids.

2

He swore when he dropped his phone.

Start by establishing the context: sign 'HE', 'DROP', and 'PHONE'. Then, use the outward striking motion of the 'Y' handshape against your stationary index finger to sign 'SWEAR'. This sequence perfectly captures the frustration of the moment and the resulting profanity.

3

I am trying to stop swearing.

Begin by pointing to yourself for 'I', then sign 'TRY' and 'STOP'. Conclude the thought by signing 'SWEAR', making sure your dominant 'Y' hand brushes sharply off your non-dominant index finger. This shows you are making an effort to quit using bad words.

How to Sign "Swear"
To sign *swear* (meaning to use profanity or curse words), hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the index finger extended and pointing across your body. Form a 'Y' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your thumb and pinky finger. Strike the palm-side of your dominant 'Y' hand sharply outward against the side of your non-dominant index finger. The dominant hand moves away from your body as it brushes off the stationary finger.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In ASL, the 'Y' handshape is frequently associated with negative concepts, mistakes, or errors, as seen in the sign for 'wrong.' The non-dominant index finger often acts as a reference point or represents a word. Striking the 'Y' handshape sharply off the index finger visually symbolizes throwing out a 'wrong' or offensive word, perfectly capturing the concept of cursing.
Signing Tips
Focus on the crispness of the movement. Your dominant 'Y' hand should make a sharp, outward striking motion as it brushes off your non-dominant index finger. This quick, decisive movement helps convey the abrupt and sharp nature of a curse word. Keep your non-dominant hand completely stationary to provide a clear base for the action, and use a matching facial expression to convey the negative context of profanity.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake beginners make is using this sign when they mean 'to make a promise.' Remember that this specific sign is exclusively used for swearing in the sense of using bad language or profanity. If you want to say 'I swear I will do it,' you must use the ASL sign for 'promise,' which involves moving your index finger from your lips down to an open flat palm.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Swear" in a Sentence
1

Please don't swear in front of the children.

To express this, you would sign 'PLEASE', 'DON'T', and then perform the sign for 'SWEAR' by striking your dominant 'Y' hand off your non-dominant index finger. Finish the sentence by signing 'CHILDREN'. This clearly communicates that bad language is not allowed around kids.

2

He swore when he dropped his phone.

Start by establishing the context: sign 'HE', 'DROP', and 'PHONE'. Then, use the outward striking motion of the 'Y' handshape against your stationary index finger to sign 'SWEAR'. This sequence perfectly captures the frustration of the moment and the resulting profanity.

3

I am trying to stop swearing.

Begin by pointing to yourself for 'I', then sign 'TRY' and 'STOP'. Conclude the thought by signing 'SWEAR', making sure your dominant 'Y' hand brushes sharply off your non-dominant index finger. This shows you are making an effort to quit using bad words.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to say 'I swear I'm telling the truth'?

No, you cannot. This specific sign translates to 'cursing' or 'using profanity.' If you want to say 'I swear' in the context of making a promise or telling the truth, you should use the ASL sign for 'promise,' which starts at the lips and moves down to an open palm.

Which hand should form the 'Y' handshape?

Your dominant hand should form the 'Y' handshape and perform the active striking motion. Your non-dominant hand should form the stationary index finger that acts as the base. If you are right-handed, your right hand is the 'Y' hand moving outward.

Does the non-dominant hand move during this sign?

No, your non-dominant hand should remain completely still during the sign. The index finger acts as a stationary base or reference point. Only your dominant 'Y' hand moves, striking outward and brushing off the stationary finger to complete the sign.

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