How to Sign "Whats Up"
Take both your hands in the "25" handshape and place them on your chest. Simultaneously push them up.
Examples Using "Whats Up" in a Sentence
1
Hey, what's up?
Use this sign as a casual greeting when you see a friend. Execute the upward brush on your chest while giving a friendly smile and a slight upward tilt of your chin.
2
What's up with him today?
You can use this sign to ask why someone is acting differently. Sign 'what's up', point to the person, and furrow your eyebrows to show genuine concern or confusion.
3
Not much, what's up with you?
This sign is perfect for casual back-and-forth banter. Sign 'nothing' or 'not much', then sign 'what's up' while looking directly at your conversation partner.
How to Sign "Whats Up"
Take both your hands in the "25" handshape and place them on your chest. Simultaneously push them up.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'what's up' visually represents energy or feelings rising to the surface. The '25' handshape is frequently used in ASL for signs related to feelings or internal states (like 'feel' or 'sick') and touches the chest, the center of emotion. Brushing upward mimics bringing your current state up to the surface to share.
Signing Tips
To make this sign look natural, ensure your bent middle fingers are the only ones making contact with your chest. The upward motion should be a quick, light brush or flick rather than a heavy push. Pair this sign with a slight upward tilt of your chin and an inquisitive facial expression to convey the casual tone of the phrase.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using flat hands instead of the '25' handshape, forgetting to bend the middle fingers forward. Beginners also sometimes push their hands straight out away from the body rather than brushing them upward along the chest. Make sure the movement travels up, not forward.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Whats Up" in a Sentence
1Hey, what's up?
Use this sign as a casual greeting when you see a friend. Execute the upward brush on your chest while giving a friendly smile and a slight upward tilt of your chin.
2What's up with him today?
You can use this sign to ask why someone is acting differently. Sign 'what's up', point to the person, and furrow your eyebrows to show genuine concern or confusion.
3Not much, what's up with you?
This sign is perfect for casual back-and-forth banter. Sign 'nothing' or 'not much', then sign 'what's up' while looking directly at your conversation partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the '25' handshape?
The '25' handshape is made by starting with an open hand with all fingers spread apart (the '5' handshape), and then bending only your middle finger forward at the base knuckle. It is also commonly referred to as the 'open-8' handshape.
Do I need to mouth the words 'what's up'?
You don't need to mouth the English words. Instead, rely on ASL non-manual markers. A slight upward tilt of the head and a relaxed, questioning facial expression are much more natural for this casual greeting.
Can I use this sign in a formal setting?
Just like in English, 'what's up' is a very casual, informal greeting in ASL. It is best used with friends, peers, or people you know well. In formal situations, it is more appropriate to sign 'Hello, how are you?'
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!