Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Trick Or Treat"

To sign *trick or treat*, start by holding your non-dominant hand flat with the palm facing sideways and fingers pointing up. Form your dominant hand into an 'A' handshape and tap it against the back of your non-dominant hand, then tap it against the palm. Next, point your dominant index finger at your chin and twist it slightly to sign *candy*. Finally, bring your dominant hand down to rest on your open, palm-up non-dominant hand.

Examples Using "Trick Or Treat" in a Sentence

1

Are you going trick-or-treating tonight?

To ask this, start by signing 'tonight' and pointing to the person for 'you'. Then, sign 'go', and finish the sentence by performing the complete compound sequence for 'trick or treat'. Remember to raise your eyebrows, as this is a yes/no question.

2

The kids love to trick-or-treat.

Begin by signing 'children' by patting the air in front of you. Next, sign 'love' by crossing your fists over your chest. Finally, perform the full sequence for 'trick or treat' to complete the thought with a cheerful expression.

3

We bought candy for trick-or-treaters.

Start by signing 'we', 'buy', and 'candy'. Then, sign 'for', and perform the 'trick or treat' sequence. To indicate that you are talking about the people doing the activity, finish by adding the 'person' marker (sliding both flat hands downward).

How to Sign "Trick Or Treat"
To sign *trick or treat*, start by holding your non-dominant hand flat with the palm facing sideways and fingers pointing up. Form your dominant hand into an 'A' handshape and tap it against the back of your non-dominant hand, then tap it against the palm. Next, point your dominant index finger at your chin and twist it slightly to sign *candy*. Finally, bring your dominant hand down to rest on your open, palm-up non-dominant hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a highly visual compound that breaks down the English phrase into its core concepts. The first half uses a variation of the sign for *trick* or *tease*, tapping the hand to demonstrate a playful bother or joke. The second half incorporates the sign for *candy*, where the index finger twists at the chin to represent a sweet tooth. Finally, the sign concludes with a downward motion onto an open palm, mimicking the action of asking for or receiving a well-earned treat.
Signing Tips
Focus on making the transition between the two halves of the sign smooth and fluid. The first part of the sequence, where you tap the back and front of your hand, represents the 'trick' aspect of the phrase. The second part, twisting your finger at the chin and bringing it down, represents the 'treat' or candy. Since this is a fun, festive phrase associated with Halloween, remember to keep your facial expressions bright, playful, and expressive to match the holiday spirit!
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is rushing through the sequence and blending the handshapes together, which can make the sign difficult to understand. Make sure to clearly form the 'A' handshape for the first half of the sign. Then, distinctly switch to the extended index finger for the *candy* portion before bringing your hand down to rest on your palm. Additionally, don't forget the final motion of bringing the hand down, as it completes the 'receiving a treat' concept.
Regional Variations
Because *trick or treat* is a cultural idiom rather than a single literal concept, you will see many regional variations across the Deaf community. Some signers simply sign *trick* followed immediately by *candy*. Others might use a highly descriptive gesture that mimics knocking on a door and holding open a bag to receive candy. The version taught here is a popular and widely understood compound, but it is always good to be aware of local variations.
Examples Using "Trick Or Treat" in a Sentence
1

Are you going trick-or-treating tonight?

To ask this, start by signing 'tonight' and pointing to the person for 'you'. Then, sign 'go', and finish the sentence by performing the complete compound sequence for 'trick or treat'. Remember to raise your eyebrows, as this is a yes/no question.

2

The kids love to trick-or-treat.

Begin by signing 'children' by patting the air in front of you. Next, sign 'love' by crossing your fists over your chest. Finally, perform the full sequence for 'trick or treat' to complete the thought with a cheerful expression.

3

We bought candy for trick-or-treaters.

Start by signing 'we', 'buy', and 'candy'. Then, sign 'for', and perform the 'trick or treat' sequence. To indicate that you are talking about the people doing the activity, finish by adding the 'person' marker (sliding both flat hands downward).

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there only one way to sign *trick or treat*?

No, there are several variations! Because it is a cultural phrase, different regions have developed their own versions. Some signers simply sign *trick* followed by *candy*, while others use descriptive classifiers to mimic holding open a bag. The version shown here is a very popular compound.

Why does the sign include the motion for *candy*?

ASL often focuses on the core meaning and visual reality of a concept. Since the main goal of trick-or-treating is to get candy, incorporating the sign for *candy* makes the intention of the phrase visually clear and immediately understandable to the viewer.

Do I need to sign the word *or*?

No, you do not need to sign the word *or*. In ASL, the concept is understood as a single festive activity rather than a literal choice between receiving a trick and receiving a treat. The signs are blended together into one fluid, conceptual phrase.

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