How to Sign "Sweetheart"
To sign 'sweetheart', form both hands into 'A' handshapes with your thumbs pointing up. Bring your hands together in front of your chest so your knuckles are touching. Then, bend your thumbs up and down a few times.
Examples Using "Sweetheart" in a Sentence
1
You are my sweetheart.
Point to the person, sign 'my', and then sign 'sweetheart' by bringing your 'A' hands together at your chest and wiggling your thumbs.
2
Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart!
Sign 'happy', 'Valentine's Day', and then finish with 'sweetheart', ensuring your thumbs wiggle a few times.
3
They are high school sweethearts.
Sign 'they', 'high school', and then 'sweetheart', keeping the motion gentle and affectionate.
How to Sign "Sweetheart"
To sign 'sweetheart', form both hands into 'A' handshapes with your thumbs pointing up. Bring your hands together in front of your chest so your knuckles are touching. Then, bend your thumbs up and down a few times.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'sweetheart' is highly iconic and poetic. The hands placed over the chest represent the heart, while the two wiggling thumbs symbolize two hearts beating together or two people interacting affectionately.
Signing Tips
Keep your hands close to your chest, right over your heart area, to emphasize the affectionate meaning of the sign. Make sure the wiggling motion of your thumbs is gentle and relaxed, not stiff or rushed.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is placing the hands too far away from the body; they should be resting close to the chest. Another mistake is moving the entire hand instead of just wiggling the thumbs.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Sweetheart" in a Sentence
1You are my sweetheart.
Point to the person, sign 'my', and then sign 'sweetheart' by bringing your 'A' hands together at your chest and wiggling your thumbs.
2Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart!
Sign 'happy', 'Valentine's Day', and then finish with 'sweetheart', ensuring your thumbs wiggle a few times.
3They are high school sweethearts.
Sign 'they', 'high school', and then 'sweetheart', keeping the motion gentle and affectionate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'sweetheart' signed differently than 'boyfriend' or 'girlfriend'?
Yes, 'sweetheart' is a distinct sign using 'A' hands with wiggling thumbs at the chest. 'Boyfriend' and 'girlfriend' combine the signs for 'boy' or 'girl' with the sign for 'friend'.
Can I use this sign for a child?
Absolutely! 'Sweetheart' is a versatile term of endearment in ASL and can be used for romantic partners, children, or anyone you hold dear.
Do my knuckles have to touch perfectly?
Your knuckles should be touching or very close together. The key is that the hands are joined over the chest to represent closeness and affection.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!