How to Sign "What The Hell"
To sign 'what the hell', begin by forming an 'H' handshape with your dominant hand. To do this, extend your index and middle fingers together while tucking your thumb and remaining fingers inward. Thrust your hand sharply forward in front of you, with your palm facing sideways. Because this is an exasperated question, your facial expression is absolutely critical. You must furrow your eyebrows deeply and show a look of frustration, shock, or confusion to fully convey the meaning of the phrase.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a great example of initialized slang in ASL. It incorporates the 'H' handshape, which is a direct English initialization for the word 'hell'. The sharp, forward-thrusting motion, combined with the essential non-manual markers like furrowed eyebrows, visually represents the sudden, forceful, and questioning nature of the exclamation. Instead of signing 'what' and 'hell' separately, the concept is blended into one expressive movement.
Signing Tips
When signing 'what the hell', remember that your facial expressions do the heavy lifting. Since this phrase is a strong exclamation of confusion, frustration, or shock, your face needs to match that exact emotional intensity. Furrow your eyebrows deeply, slightly tilt your head forward, and make the forward thrust of the 'H' handshape sharp and deliberate. Think of the hand movement as a physical manifestation of your sudden surprise or annoyance.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake beginners make is signing this phrase with a blank or neutral facial expression. Without the furrowed eyebrows and a frustrated look, the questioning nature and emotional weight of the phrase are completely lost. Another frequent error is making the hand movement too slow, soft, or gentle. To accurately convey the slang, the motion must be a quick, sharp thrust forward.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "What The Hell" in a Sentence
1What the hell is going on here?
Sign 'what the hell' with a strong, confused facial expression, then use the sign for 'happen' or point around the room to indicate the situation. Keep your eyebrows furrowed throughout the phrase.
2I don't know what the hell he's doing.
Start with the sign for 'don't know' by touching your fingers to your forehead and flicking outward. Then, sign 'what the hell' while directing your gaze or pointing toward the person you are talking about.
3What the hell was that noise?
First, sign 'what the hell' with a sharp, forceful movement. Then, sign 'noise' by pointing to your ear and shaking your hands slightly. Your face should show genuine surprise and confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign considered a swear word in ASL?
Yes, it carries the exact same weight and tone as saying 'what the hell' in spoken English. It is considered mild profanity or strong slang. You should be mindful of your audience and use it appropriately, avoiding it in formal or professional settings.
Can I use this sign to just mean the noun 'hell'?
No, this specific movement is tailored to the phrase 'what the hell'. While it uses the 'H' handshape associated with 'hell', the standalone noun for 'hell' usually involves the 'H' handshape moving downward to indicate a location. This forward thrust is specifically for the exclamation.
Why don't I sign the word 'what' first?
ASL is a highly conceptual language that often condenses phrases into a single fluid sign or movement. The questioning aspect—the 'what'—is conveyed entirely through your furrowed eyebrows and facial expression. Adding a separate sign for 'what' is unnecessary and would make the phrase feel clunky.
Related ASL Signs
