To sign "veteran," you will fingerspell the common abbreviation "V-E-T." Start with your dominant hand in a "V" handshape, with your index and middle fingers extended and spread apart. Then, curl your fingers down to form an "E" handshape. Finally, tuck your thumb under your index finger to make a "T" handshape. Keep your hand steady as you transition smoothly between the letters.
Sign 'MY GRANDFATHER' followed by fingerspelling 'V-E-T.' Keep your hand steady while spelling the abbreviation.
Sign 'THANK-YOU' and 'ALL,' then fingerspell 'V-E-T.' You don't need to add an 'S' at the end; the context of 'all' makes it plural.
Sign 'YOU MILITARY V-E-T YOU?' Make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, as this is a yes/no question.
Sign 'MY GRANDFATHER' followed by fingerspelling 'V-E-T.' Keep your hand steady while spelling the abbreviation.
Sign 'THANK-YOU' and 'ALL,' then fingerspell 'V-E-T.' You don't need to add an 'S' at the end; the context of 'all' makes it plural.
Sign 'YOU MILITARY V-E-T YOU?' Make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, as this is a yes/no question.
Yes, fingerspelling 'V-E-T' is also used for a veterinarian. In ASL, the context of your conversation will make it clear whether you are talking about a military veteran or an animal doctor.
While you can spell out the full word, it is much more common and natural in conversational ASL to simply use the abbreviation 'V-E-T.' It saves time and is universally understood.
No, you do not need to add the 'person' marker. Fingerspelling 'V-E-T' already implies that you are referring to a person who is a veteran.
