Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Ugly"

to sign 'ugly', press the hand into a fist with the index finger still extended. bring the hand up to just under the nose. starting with the index finger on the non-dominant side, bring the hand across the upper lip. as the hand is dragged across, curl the index finger so the hand ends in an x hand shape on the dominant side of the face.

Examples Using "Ugly" in a Sentence

1

That sweater is ugly.

Point to the sweater, then sign 'ugly' by dragging your index finger across your upper lip and curling it into an 'X' shape. Make sure to use a disgusted facial expression to match the meaning!

2

The weather today is really ugly.

Sign 'today', then 'weather', and finish with 'ugly'. When signing 'ugly', emphasize the motion across your lip and scrunch your face to show just how bad the weather is.

3

I feel ugly today.

Point to yourself, sign 'feel', and then sign 'ugly'. Remember to start with your index finger extended under your nose and pull it across into an 'X' shape while showing a sad or displeased expression.

How to Sign "Ugly"
to sign 'ugly', press the hand into a fist with the index finger still extended. bring the hand up to just under the nose. starting with the index finger on the non-dominant side, bring the hand across the upper lip. as the hand is dragged across, curl the index finger so the hand ends in an x hand shape on the dominant side of the face.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'ugly' is highly iconic and visually represents the idea of a distorted or unappealing facial feature. The movement of the index finger dragging across the upper lip and curling into an 'X' shape mimics the idea of a contorted, misshapen face or, as the memory hint suggests, a horrible, crooked mustache. By physically altering the space right in front of the face and pairing it with a scrunched facial expression, the sign naturally conveys the concept of something being visually unpleasant.
Signing Tips
Facial expressions are crucial in ASL, especially for descriptive words like 'ugly'. When you drag your index finger across your upper lip and curl it into the 'X' handshape, make sure your face matches the meaning. Scrunch your nose, furrow your eyebrows, or show a look of mild disgust. This adds the necessary emotional tone to the sign. Also, keep the movement smooth but deliberate, ensuring the transition from the straight index finger to the curled 'X' shape happens right as you cross your face.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is keeping the index finger straight the entire time. Remember that the finger must curl into an 'X' handshape as it moves across your upper lip. Another frequent error is signing this too far away from the face; the finger should be placed just under the nose, lightly grazing or hovering very close to the upper lip. Finally, signing 'ugly' with a blank or happy facial expression will confuse your listener, so don't forget to scrunch your face!
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Ugly" in a Sentence
1

That sweater is ugly.

Point to the sweater, then sign 'ugly' by dragging your index finger across your upper lip and curling it into an 'X' shape. Make sure to use a disgusted facial expression to match the meaning!

2

The weather today is really ugly.

Sign 'today', then 'weather', and finish with 'ugly'. When signing 'ugly', emphasize the motion across your lip and scrunch your face to show just how bad the weather is.

3

I feel ugly today.

Point to yourself, sign 'feel', and then sign 'ugly'. Remember to start with your index finger extended under your nose and pull it across into an 'X' shape while showing a sad or displeased expression.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I actually touch my face when signing 'ugly'?

You can lightly brush your upper lip with your index finger as you move it across, or you can hover it just a fraction of an inch away from your skin. Both ways are perfectly acceptable, as long as the placement remains right under the nose.

Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'ugly'?

You should use your dominant hand. Start the sign on the non-dominant side of your upper lip and pull it across toward your dominant side, curling your finger into the 'X' shape as you finish the movement.

Can I use this sign to describe a situation, or just a physical appearance?

You can use 'ugly' for both! While it literally describes physical appearance, it is also commonly used to describe bad weather, a terrible situation, or an unpleasant attitude. Just adjust your facial expression to match the context.

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