How to Sign "Swing"

To sign 'swing', start by extending the index and middle fingers of your non-dominant hand horizontally in front of you. Next, form a 'V' shape with your dominant hand, pointing the fingers down, and hook them over the extended fingers of your non-dominant hand, like a person sitting on a swing seat. Finally, move both hands back and forth together a couple of times to mimic the motion of swinging.

Examples Using "Swing" in a Sentence

1

The kids are playing on the swing.

Sign 'swing' by hooking your dominant 'V' hand over your non-dominant fingers and moving them back and forth together.

2

Push me on the swing!

Use the sign for 'swing' to establish the object, then use a pushing motion away from your body to show the action.

3

I love to swing at the park.

Sign 'love', then 'swing' using the smooth back-and-forth motion with your hooked fingers to show the activity.

How to Sign "Swing"
To sign 'swing', start by extending the index and middle fingers of your non-dominant hand horizontally in front of you. Next, form a 'V' shape with your dominant hand, pointing the fingers down, and hook them over the extended fingers of your non-dominant hand, like a person sitting on a swing seat. Finally, move both hands back and forth together a couple of times to mimic the motion of swinging.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visual. The non-dominant hand represents the seat of the swing, while the dominant 'V' handshape represents a person's legs sitting on it. The back-and-forth movement directly mimics the physical action of swinging on a playground.
Signing Tips
Keep the non-dominant hand steady relative to the dominant hand; they should move together as a single unit when swinging back and forth. The dominant 'V' hand represents a person's legs, so make sure the fingers are pointing downward and straddling the non-dominant fingers.
Common Mistakes
Moving only the dominant hand while keeping the non-dominant hand completely still is a frequent error. Both hands must move together to show the swing in motion. Another mistake is using a single finger instead of the 'V' handshape, which loses the visual representation of a person's legs.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Swing" in a Sentence
1

The kids are playing on the swing.

Sign 'swing' by hooking your dominant 'V' hand over your non-dominant fingers and moving them back and forth together.

2

Push me on the swing!

Use the sign for 'swing' to establish the object, then use a pushing motion away from your body to show the action.

3

I love to swing at the park.

Sign 'love', then 'swing' using the smooth back-and-forth motion with your hooked fingers to show the activity.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sign mean 'swing' like a baseball bat?

No, this sign is specifically for a playground swing or the action of swinging on one. For swinging a bat, you would instead mime the action of holding and swinging a baseball bat.

Can I use this sign for a porch swing?

Yes, you can use this sign for a porch swing! Depending on the context, you might also add the sign for 'sit' or use classifiers to describe the wider size of the porch swing.

How many times should I move my hands back and forth?

Two or three gentle back-and-forth movements are perfect. It doesn't need to be exaggerated, just enough to clearly show the rhythmic swinging motion.

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