Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Twerk"

To sign 'twerk', start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up to represent the floor. Form a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand, pointing the index and middle fingers downwards to represent a person's legs. Hover your dominant hand over your non-dominant palm and repeatedly bend and straighten the two fingers at the knuckles to mimic the bouncing motion of twerking.

Examples Using "Twerk" in a Sentence

1

She knows how to twerk.

Sign 'she', 'know', 'how', and then use the 'twerk' sign by bouncing the 'V' fingers over your flat palm.

2

They were twerking at the party.

Sign 'party', 'they', and then perform the 'twerk' sign, perhaps repeating the bouncing motion a bit longer to show continuous action.

3

I can't twerk.

Sign 'I', 'can't', and finish with the 'twerk' sign, shaking your head to emphasize the negative.

How to Sign "Twerk"
To sign 'twerk', start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up to represent the floor. Form a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand, pointing the index and middle fingers downwards to represent a person's legs. Hover your dominant hand over your non-dominant palm and repeatedly bend and straighten the two fingers at the knuckles to mimic the bouncing motion of twerking.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a fantastic example of how ASL uses visual classifiers to describe actions. The non-dominant flat hand acts as a base, representing a surface or the dance floor. The downward-pointing 'V' handshape is a standard classifier for a person's legs. By rapidly bending and straightening the fingers at the knuckles, the sign perfectly and humorously mimics the rhythmic bouncing and shaking of the hips that defines the twerking dance style.
Signing Tips
When practicing the sign for 'twerk', focus on keeping your non-dominant hand completely steady as the 'floor'. The movement should come entirely from the knuckles of your dominant 'V' hand. To emphasize the intensity, speed, or rhythm of the twerking, you can bend and straighten the fingers more rapidly or add a slight bounce to the wrist. Remember to keep your facial expressions fun and matched to the casual context of the conversation!
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is moving their entire dominant arm up and down instead of isolating the movement to the fingers. Remember that the 'V' handshape represents a person's legs, so the bending should happen at the knuckles to accurately represent the dance move's hip action. Additionally, avoid pointing the fingers forward; they must point downward toward your non-dominant palm to properly show the orientation of the dancer's legs.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Twerk" in a Sentence
1

She knows how to twerk.

Sign 'she', 'know', 'how', and then use the 'twerk' sign by bouncing the 'V' fingers over your flat palm.

2

They were twerking at the party.

Sign 'party', 'they', and then perform the 'twerk' sign, perhaps repeating the bouncing motion a bit longer to show continuous action.

3

I can't twerk.

Sign 'I', 'can't', and finish with the 'twerk' sign, shaking your head to emphasize the negative.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a formal sign?

No, 'twerk' is a modern, informal slang term, and the sign reflects that casual, descriptive nature. It is best used in relaxed, social contexts rather than formal or professional settings.

Can I use this sign for other types of dancing?

This specific sign is uniquely tailored to the bouncing motion of twerking. For general dancing, you would use the standard ASL sign for 'dance', which involves swinging the 'V' hand back and forth over the palm rather than bending the knuckles.

Does my dominant hand need to touch my non-dominant hand?

Your dominant hand can hover just above the non-dominant palm or lightly brush against it. The main focus should be on the rapid bending motion of the fingers rather than making hard contact with the 'floor'.

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