Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Whatever"

To sign “Whatever”, two “b” or flat handshapes with extending the thumbs. Either right or left fingertips to be gently slapping another left or right fingertips few times with the “hmm” facial expression. Be look like you doesn’t believe in what person said to you.

Examples Using "Whatever" in a Sentence

1

He told me he was late because of traffic, but whatever.

Sign the first part of the sentence, then finish with the 'whatever' sign, making sure to use a skeptical facial expression as your fingertips brush together to show you don't really buy his excuse.

2

Whatever you want to do for dinner is fine with me.

Here, 'whatever' means 'it doesn't matter.' Use the flat handshapes brushing fingertips, but soften your facial expression slightly to show flexibility rather than disbelief.

3

She said she saw a ghost, and I was just like, whatever.

Emphasize the dismissive nature of the sign by giving a strong 'hmm' facial expression, gently slapping your fingertips together a few times to show you think her story is ridiculous.

How to Sign "Whatever"
To sign “Whatever”, two “b” or flat handshapes with extending the thumbs. Either right or left fingertips to be gently slapping another left or right fingertips few times with the “hmm” facial expression. Be look like you doesn’t believe in what person said to you.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The visual logic of the sign for 'whatever' is rooted in the idea of brushing something aside or deflecting it. By gently slapping your fingertips together, it visually represents words or ideas bouncing off each other or being casually batted away. The open, flat handshapes with extended thumbs give a relaxed, almost careless feel to the gesture. Combined with the skeptical facial expression, the sign perfectly captures the attitude of dismissing a topic, showing that you find the information unimportant, unbelievable, or not worth your energy.
Signing Tips
To sign 'whatever' effectively, remember that your facial expression does a lot of the heavy lifting. The physical motion—gently slapping or brushing the fingertips of your flat, thumb-extended hands together—is relatively small. To truly convey the meaning, you need to add a skeptical or dismissive 'hmm' look to your face. Furrow your eyebrows slightly, maybe roll your eyes, or tilt your head to show that you don't quite believe or care about what was just said. Keep the hand movement relaxed and at chest level.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make with 'whatever' is using stiff, rigid hands and slapping them together too forcefully. The motion should be a gentle, repeated brushing or slapping of the fingertips, not a loud clap. Additionally, learners often forget the facial expression. If you sign 'whatever' with a blank or happy face, the meaning gets completely lost. Always remember to include the skeptical 'hmm' expression to show disbelief or a dismissive attitude, which is essential to the sign's true meaning.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Whatever" in a Sentence
1

He told me he was late because of traffic, but whatever.

Sign the first part of the sentence, then finish with the 'whatever' sign, making sure to use a skeptical facial expression as your fingertips brush together to show you don't really buy his excuse.

2

Whatever you want to do for dinner is fine with me.

Here, 'whatever' means 'it doesn't matter.' Use the flat handshapes brushing fingertips, but soften your facial expression slightly to show flexibility rather than disbelief.

3

She said she saw a ghost, and I was just like, whatever.

Emphasize the dismissive nature of the sign by giving a strong 'hmm' facial expression, gently slapping your fingertips together a few times to show you think her story is ridiculous.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to mean 'I don't care'?

Yes, this sign is often used to convey 'I don't care,' 'anyway,' or 'it doesn't matter.' Just make sure your facial expression matches the specific attitude you want to convey, whether it's dismissive or just flexible.

Does it matter which hand is on top when the fingertips slap?

No, it doesn't matter. You can have either your right or left fingertips gently slapping the other. Do whatever feels most comfortable and natural for your dominant hand setup.

How hard should I slap my fingertips together?

The motion should be very gentle. Think of it more as a light brushing or tapping of the fingertips rather than a forceful slap. The attitude comes from your face, not from hitting your hands together loudly.

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