How to Sign "What Up"
To sign 'what up' (or 'what's up'), start with both hands in an 'open 8' handshape, where your middle fingers are bent forward and your other fingers are extended. Place your hands on your chest with your palms facing inward. Lightly brush your middle fingers upward along your chest, then smoothly move your hands outward and upward, ending with your palms facing up. Since this is a 'wh-' question, remember to furrow your eyebrows slightly to show you are asking for information.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign visually represents a feeling, event, or news rising up from within. The 'open 8' handshape is often associated with feelings or internal states, as seen in the sign for 'feel'. Brushing upward and outward symbolizes bringing those current events up and out to be shared with someone else.
Signing Tips
Focus on the movement of your middle fingers. They should lightly brush against your chest as your hands move upward. Keep the motion fluid and casual, as 'what up' is typically an informal greeting. Don't forget your facial expressions—furrowing your eyebrows is crucial for conveying that you are asking a question.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using flat hands instead of the 'open 8' handshape. Make sure only your middle fingers are bent toward your chest. Another frequent error is forgetting the facial expression; without furrowed eyebrows, the sign loses its grammatical marker as a question.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "What Up" in a Sentence
1Hey, what's up?
You can use this sign as a casual greeting when you see a friend. Sign 'what up' with a friendly expression and a slight head tilt to invite a response.
2What's up with the new schedule?
When asking about a situation, sign 'new schedule' followed by 'what up'. Furrow your eyebrows to show you are genuinely asking for details.
3Nothing much, what's up with you?
This sign is perfect for a back-and-forth exchange. You can reply with 'nothing' and then sign 'what up' directed back at the other person to keep the conversation going.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'what up' a formal or informal sign?
It is a very casual, informal greeting. It is best used with friends, family, and peers rather than in formal, professional, or academic situations.
Do I need to sign 'what' and 'up' separately?
No, you should not sign the individual English words 'what' and 'up'. ASL is a distinct language with its own vocabulary, and this single fluid motion conveys the entire phrase 'what's up'.
Can I use this sign to ask what is happening?
Yes! This sign is highly versatile and can mean 'what's up?', 'what's happening?', or 'what's going on?' depending on the context of your conversation.
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