How to Sign "Wont"
Make a fist, extending your thumb. Touch the tip of your thumb underneath your chin, then quickly flick your thumb forward. Simultaneously shake your head "no."
Examples Using "Wont" in a Sentence
1
I won't go to the party.
Sign 'I', then use the sharp thumb-flicking motion under your chin while shaking your head to sign 'won't', and follow it with 'go' and 'party'.
2
The car won't start.
Sign 'car', then perform the 'won't' sign by quickly flicking your thumb forward from your chin with a firm head shake, and finish with the sign for 'start'.
3
He won't eat his vegetables.
Point to 'he', sign 'vegetables', then use the firm thumb-flick under the chin for 'won't' while shaking your head, ending with the sign for 'eat'.
How to Sign "Wont"
Make a fist, extending your thumb. Touch the tip of your thumb underneath your chin, then quickly flick your thumb forward. Simultaneously shake your head "no."
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'won't' (often glossed as REFUSE in ASL) visually represents a firm boundary or a stubborn rejection. The thumb flicking forward from under the chin mimics the idea of pushing something away or tossing an idea out. The sharpness of the movement physically embodies the feeling of digging your heels in and saying 'absolutely not.'
Signing Tips
To make the sign for 'won't' look natural, focus on the sharpness of your thumb flick. The movement should be quick and deliberate, conveying a sense of refusal or a firm boundary. Don't forget the non-manual marker: shaking your head 'no' is crucial. In ASL, facial expressions and head movements carry grammatical weight, so a firm head shake combined with a slightly furrowed brow will give your sign the correct assertive meaning.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using an index finger instead of the thumb, which changes the meaning entirely. Ensure you are making a fist with only the thumb extended. Another frequent error is forgetting to shake the head 'no.' Without the negative head shake, the sign loses its grammatical negation. Finally, avoid making the forward flick too slow or gentle; 'won't' requires a crisp, firm motion to convey refusal.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Wont" in a Sentence
1I won't go to the party.
Sign 'I', then use the sharp thumb-flicking motion under your chin while shaking your head to sign 'won't', and follow it with 'go' and 'party'.
2The car won't start.
Sign 'car', then perform the 'won't' sign by quickly flicking your thumb forward from your chin with a firm head shake, and finish with the sign for 'start'.
3He won't eat his vegetables.
Point to 'he', sign 'vegetables', then use the firm thumb-flick under the chin for 'won't' while shaking your head, ending with the sign for 'eat'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between 'not' and 'won't' in ASL?
Yes! 'Not' is a general negative signed by bringing the thumb forward from under the chin smoothly. 'Won't' uses a very similar handshape and location, but the movement is a sharp, quick flick forward, conveying refusal rather than just a simple negative.
Do I have to shake my head when signing 'won't'?
Absolutely. In ASL, shaking your head 'no' is a non-manual marker that provides the grammatical negation. If you only do the hand movement without the head shake, your sign will look incomplete and might confuse the person you are conversing with.
Can I use this sign to mean 'will not'?
Yes, this sign is perfectly used for 'will not' when it implies refusal or a firm negative outcome. For example, if you are saying 'I will not do that,' this sharp thumb-flicking sign accurately captures the strong unwillingness of the English phrase.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!