Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Victim"

To sign *victim*, start by holding your non-dominant hand in front of you with the index finger pointing straight up, representing a person standing alone. Next, form a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand. Move your dominant hand toward the extended index finger and close the 'V' fingers around it, mimicking a pair of teeth biting down. This action beautifully visualizes an individual being preyed upon, attacked, or targeted.

Examples Using "Victim" in a Sentence

1

The victim of the robbery called the police.

Start by signing 'robbery' to establish the context of the crime. Then, use the sign for 'victim' to clearly show the person who was targeted by the event. Finish the sentence by signing 'call' and 'police'. This logical sequence clearly explains exactly who was involved and what action they took.

2

He was a victim of a scam.

First, point to the person you are talking about to establish them as the subject of your sentence. Next, sign 'scam' or 'cheat' to describe the event. Finally, use the sign for 'victim' to visually explain that he was the specific individual who was taken advantage of in the situation.

3

We need to help the victims.

Begin your sentence by signing 'we' and 'must' or 'need' to show obligation. Then, sign 'help' with the movement directed outward toward the subjects to show assistance being given. Conclude with the sign for 'victim' to clearly indicate the specific group of people who are receiving the much-needed help.

How to Sign "Victim"
To sign *victim*, start by holding your non-dominant hand in front of you with the index finger pointing straight up, representing a person standing alone. Next, form a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand. Move your dominant hand toward the extended index finger and close the 'V' fingers around it, mimicking a pair of teeth biting down. This action beautifully visualizes an individual being preyed upon, attacked, or targeted.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a fantastic example of how ASL uses visual classifiers to build complex meaning. The non-dominant index finger acts as a classifier representing a single person standing alone. The dominant 'V' handshape represents a set of teeth or fangs. By bringing them together and closing the fingers, the sign visually depicts a person being bitten, attacked, or preyed upon. This iconic imagery perfectly captures the core concept of what it means to be a victim in a highly visual way.
Signing Tips
When signing *victim*, make sure the movement of your dominant hand is deliberate and sharp as it 'bites' the non-dominant index finger. The non-dominant index finger should stay completely still, acting as a stationary target. Using a serious or concerned facial expression will help convey the gravity of the word. Since this sign is highly visual, executing the 'bite' with a crisp, clear motion ensures that the concept of being targeted or preyed upon is easily understood by the person you are signing with.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is moving both hands toward each other at the same time. Remember that the non-dominant index finger represents a person standing still, while the dominant 'V' hand represents the external action happening to them. If you move the index finger, it changes the visual story of the sign. Always keep your non-dominant hand stationary and let your dominant hand do all the moving to keep the meaning clear and accurate.
Regional Variations
While the variation shown here is highly descriptive and widely understood, another very common way to sign *victim* is by placing a 'V' handshape against the side of your neck. You may also see the concept expressed using the sign for *suffer*, especially when discussing someone who has endured long-term hardship. The choice between these variations often depends on the specific context of the sentence, the signer's personal preference, and the regional dialect of ASL being used.
Examples Using "Victim" in a Sentence
1

The victim of the robbery called the police.

Start by signing 'robbery' to establish the context of the crime. Then, use the sign for 'victim' to clearly show the person who was targeted by the event. Finish the sentence by signing 'call' and 'police'. This logical sequence clearly explains exactly who was involved and what action they took.

2

He was a victim of a scam.

First, point to the person you are talking about to establish them as the subject of your sentence. Next, sign 'scam' or 'cheat' to describe the event. Finally, use the sign for 'victim' to visually explain that he was the specific individual who was taken advantage of in the situation.

3

We need to help the victims.

Begin your sentence by signing 'we' and 'must' or 'need' to show obligation. Then, sign 'help' with the movement directed outward toward the subjects to show assistance being given. Conclude with the sign for 'victim' to clearly indicate the specific group of people who are receiving the much-needed help.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the only way to sign *victim*?

No, there are a few different ways to sign this concept depending on the context. Another very common variation uses a 'V' handshape placed against the side of the neck. However, the variation shown in this video is highly visual and does an excellent job of clearly showing someone being targeted or preyed upon.

Can I use this sign to mean 'prey'?

Yes! Because this sign visually represents something being bitten, hunted, or targeted, it is frequently used to mean *prey* when discussing animals or nature. The visual logic of the 'V' handshape acting as teeth biting down makes it a perfect fit for describing an animal that is being hunted by a predator.

Why do we use the index finger in this sign?

In ASL, an upright index finger is a very common classifier (known as CL:1) used to represent a single person standing upright. In the context of this specific sign, that stationary index finger represents the individual person who is unfortunately becoming the victim of the action depicted by the dominant hand.

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