How to Sign "Whatsapp"
To sign "WhatsApp", you will fingerspell the common abbreviation W-A-P using your dominant hand. Start by forming the letter 'W', extending your index, middle, and ring fingers upward while your thumb holds down your pinky. Next, smoothly transition into the letter 'A' by closing your fingers into a fist with your thumb resting against the side of your index finger. Finally, form the letter 'P' by pointing your index finger forward, dropping your middle finger downward, and resting your thumb against your middle finger. Keep your hand steady throughout the spelling.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a direct, lexicalized fingerspelling of the abbreviation W-A-P, which serves as a quick stand-in for the full name of the application, WhatsApp. In American Sign Language, it is incredibly common for popular brands, technology, and social media platforms to be abbreviated rather than given a completely new conceptual sign. Because these platforms are referenced so frequently in daily life, adopting a quick, three-letter fingerspelled sequence makes communication much faster and more efficient while still being instantly recognizable to the viewer.
Signing Tips
When fingerspelling short abbreviations like W-A-P for WhatsApp, it is important to keep your hand in a comfortable, steady position just below your shoulder. Avoid the temptation to bounce or push your hand forward with each new letter, as this can make the word difficult for the viewer to read. Instead, focus on creating smooth, fluid transitions from the 'W' to the 'A' and then the 'P'. Practice the sequence slowly at first, ensuring each handshape is clear, before gradually increasing your speed to a natural conversational pace.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is bouncing their hand with each letter or rushing through the fingerspelling, which blurs the handshapes and makes the abbreviation hard to read. Another frequent error is feeling the need to fully spell out W-H-A-T-S-A-P-P every time. While fully spelling it isn't wrong, the quick W-A-P abbreviation is widely understood and much preferred in casual, everyday conversation. Make sure your 'P' handshape is oriented correctly, with the middle finger pointing down, rather than twisting your wrist awkwardly.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Whatsapp" in a Sentence
1Did you get my message on WhatsApp?
To sign this, start by pointing to the person to indicate 'you', then sign 'RECEIVE' and 'MESSAGE' by bringing your hands toward your body. Finish the question by smoothly fingerspelling the abbreviation W-A-P to specify the platform, raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
2I use WhatsApp to call my family.
Begin by pointing to yourself for 'I', then sign 'USE' by moving your dominant 'U' handshape in a circle over your non-dominant fist. Fingerspell W-A-P, and conclude by signing 'CALL' and 'FAMILY', bringing your hands together in a circle to represent your family group.
3Send me the picture on WhatsApp.
Start by signing 'PICTURE' by moving a 'C' handshape from your face to your non-dominant palm. Next, sign 'SEND-TO-ME' by moving your hand from outward toward your body. Finally, specify the app by clearly and steadily fingerspelling the letters W-A-P.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to spell out the whole word 'WhatsApp'?
No, you don't have to! While you certainly can fully fingerspell W-H-A-T-S-A-P-P, it is very common and much faster to use the abbreviation W-A-P. In everyday, casual ASL conversations, this quick three-letter abbreviation is widely recognized and preferred for efficiency.
Should I bounce my hand while spelling W-A-P?
No, you should keep your hand steady in one location. Bouncing or pushing your hand forward between letters is a common beginner habit, but it actually makes fingerspelling much harder to read. Focus on smooth, seamless transitions between the handshapes instead.
Is there a specific conceptual sign for WhatsApp?
In ASL, many popular social media apps and technology brands are simply fingerspelled or abbreviated rather than having a unique, conceptual sign created for them. Fingerspelling W-A-P is the standard, accepted way to refer to WhatsApp within the Deaf community.
Related ASL Signs
