The Sign Language/Chapter 6

by J. Schuyler Long

SENSATIONS, FEELINGS AND AFFECTIONS

Love.—Press both hands over the heart, flat, one upon the other. IV, 43.

Hate.—Hold the open hands out toward left side, ends pointing up; push hands away and avert face as if pushing off some unpleasant object. IV, 44.

Like.—With the rest of the fingers closed, bring the thumb and forefinger up nearly touching the breast, then draw them away, bringing thumb and finger together as if the heart was being drawn out toward the object. The sign for "please" is also used to mean "like." IV, 45.

Dislike.—Extend the hands up partly at one side, with middle finger held back by the thumb, the other fingers extended and pointing outward; suddenly shoot off the middle finger as in shooting a marble or the game of crokinole. This sign is more for "despise." "Dislike" is also made by sign for "like" followed by "not." IV, 46.

Make love to.—Hold the closed hands, the middle joints of the fingers of one against those of the other, thumbs up, in position of "A" except that they are raised above the forefingers and bent from the middle joint; wiggle both thumbs up and down. This sign is also used to indicate the individual object of one's affections, followed by sex sign. IV, 47.

Fall in love.—With right hand in position of "V" but fingers pointed down, throw the two fingers against the palm of the left hand brought out to receive them, palm up, and then slide them along the length of the hand. The heart is sometimes touched with the middle finger first.

Flirt.—Extend out both "5" hands, palms down, and ends of thumbs meeting; wiggle the fingers with motion as in playing a piano.

Please, Pleasure, etc.—Rub the palm of the right hand over the heart with circular motion. IV, 48.

Happy, Delighted, Joy, etc.—Throw palm of the right hand against the heart several times with a patting motion. IV, 49.

Cheerful (as to countenance.)—Place ends of forefingers at corners of the mouth and draw out to represent the mouth broadening in smiles, then bring the hands away with the fingers moving from the knuckles in a rapid up-and-down motion to indicate the "beams of joy" radiating from the face, and look as cheerful as you can.

Sorry, Sorrow, etc.—With the hand in position of "A" rub it in a circular motion over the heart, with appropriate expression. IV, 50.

Sad, Sadness, Dejected, Gloomy, etc.—Hold the hands in front of the face, fingers extended and apart, and pointing up; bring the hand down a little way with a jerk and bend the head slightly over as the hand falls, indicating a dejected attitude. IV, 51.

Feel.—Place end of the middle finger, with others extended and held away, against the heart and draw it up a little way. IV, 52.

Taste.—Place the finger on the tip of the tongue as in act of tasting.

Hear (idea of sound).—Place finger at ear as if listening.

See (idea of vision).—With hand as in "V" bring the fingers (forefinger and middle) up astraddle the nose with the ends on the face just below the eyes; move the hand outward, the ends of the fingers representing direction of the sight. IV, 53.

Look.—Same as "see," but instead of moving hand as above turn the "V" and point ends of fingers outward. IV, 54.

Smell.—Move the palm up before tip of nose, as if presenting something to be smelled.

Sick.—Place the end of the right middle finger (with others extended and held away) on the centre of the forehead and that of the left hand at the pit of the stomach, and bend slightly over, as if in some distress. IV, 55.

Well.—Place hands, one on each side of the breast, palms toward you; close the hands as you draw them away and move them down with a jerk. IV, 56.

Pain.—Place hands in front of you with only forefingers extended and pointing toward each other several inches apart, then throw them at each other without touching the ends together; pain in any part of the body in indicated by placing the hands over that part of the body and making the motion; for instance, in headache the fingers are thrown at each other across the forehead.

Cross.—Place the hand, pointing upward before the face, palm to it; bend the fingers toward face like the talons of an eagle, repeating motion several times, and add meaning by expression of the face. IV, 57.

Angry.—With the fingers bent, talon-like, throw hand against the waist, partly at one side; give a tearing, upward motion against the body. Sometimes both hands are used.

Quarrel.—Hold the "G" hands out in front of you, forefingers pointed one toward the other; throw fingers at each other, and repeat several times, or let ends of fingers drop, and draw up again, imitating motion of roosters fighting. IV, 58.

Fight.—Throw the fists against opposite sides of the face at the same time.

Sweet (including size, form, etc., as well as taste).—Draw the ends of the fore and middle fingers, held together downward, across the center of the mouth. Used in connection with "smell" this means fragrant, etc. IV, 59.

Sour.—Throw the end of the forefinger toward or against the mouth, giving the expression of the face as if tasting something sour. IV, 60.

Bitter.—Made same way as for sour, then turn hand away and push palm out as if pushing away bitter medicine.

Friend, Friendship, etc.—Clasp the forefingers, one above the other, then bring them apart and clasp them again, but in the opposite direction, the hands changing their relative positions. IV, 61.

Enemy.—Draw the hands up, the right close to the body, forefinger extended and pointing away from you, and the other hand with forefinger in similar position but opposite and pointing toward the right finger; then draw both hands away, holding them momentarily in a menacing attitude. IV, 62.

Kind, Gentleness, etc.—Place both extended hands in front of you, palms toward you, one hand beyond the other a few inches; move hands one around the other in a circle like cars in a Ferris wheel. IV, 63.

Cruel, Rude, etc.—Bring both "G" hands out in front, forefingers extended, throw the end of the one against the other lengthwise, alternately pushing and drawing them the length of the fingers, repeating several times. The degree of cruelty may be indicated by the emphasis put on the movement. IV, 64.

Mean.—Place the "A" hands together in front of you, the middle joints of each hand touching; now raise the right hand slightly; bring it down quickly against the left so the joints strike those of the left hand, something after the manner of striking flint. For shameful meanness rub hand against the side of cheek first, as in "shame." IV, 65.

Tired, Weary, etc.—With the hands extended downward, place the ends against the waist in front about six inches apart; bend the hands down, the ends still against you, until the hands are doubled over and then let them drop down in a listless sort of way and stoop the shoulders slightly, giving the idea of weariness. IV, 66.

Tedious.—Place the end of the forefinger on the tip of the nose and press it down, bending the head forward slightly as if in obedience to the pressure of the finger.

Funny, Humorous, etc.—Rub the nose downward with the ends of the fore and middle fingers two or three times and look funny. IV, 67.

Contempt, Scorn, etc.—Rest the crook of the forefinger against one side of the mouth, and the thumb against other (somewhat like "C" pressed against mouth), then bring down and represent action of shooting marble from end of finger.

Snub (or turn up one's nose at).—Grasp end of nose with thumb and forefinger, and turn up end of nose, bringing hand away from nose in the act.

Indifference (all the same to me).—Place bent left hand in front, fingers pointing up; brush the ends of fingers of left hand with the right open hand, first one way with palm and then back with back of hand, and repeat several times. IV, 68.

(2) Or, with right "Y" hand, fingers on under side and fingers pointing outward, give it a slight jerk and down (as in "the same"); then repeat the action but throw the hand over toward the left, indicating it is "the same" both ways.

To cut or ignore one.—Holding the hand perpendicularly and at right angles to the face, rub the forefinger, edge upward, against the end of the nose, indicating a "stiff neck."

Fascinate.—Bring the hand up before the face, with fingers extended except the thumb and forefinger which are brought together as if about to grasp something; bring them nearly together and then draw out slowly from the face (giving the idea of drawing the attention out), giving the face an intent or concentrated look.

Free, Safe, Save, Relief, etc. (idea of freedom from some bondage).—With "S" hands crossed at the wrists as if bound, with an apparent effort break the imaginary bonds and free the hands, throwing them apart. IV, 69.

Obey (idea of submission to authority).—Hold "A" hands in front, backs down; let both hands drop, opening them the while; some carry the hands up toward right shoulder and drop from there. IV, 70.

Disobey (defiance to authority).—With elbow at side bend up the arm with the fist on a level with the shoulder; bring the elbow out and give a twist to the fist, slightly turning the head to indicate defiance. IV, 71.

Pride.—With fingers closed and thumb extended bring end of thumb against the front of body about the waist line and with chest thrown out proudly draw the thumb up to the center of the breast. IV, 72.

Vain.—Bring both "V" hands in front of and slightly above the shoulders, one on each side; the ends of the fingers pointing a little back; bend the fingers simultaneously so that they point directly over the shoulders; then straighten, making the motions alternately. IV, 73.

Victory, Triumph, etc.—Raise the "A" hand and swing it in a circle above the head (at the side) as in waving a small flag.

Hope, Expect (something looked forward to with desire).—Place end of right forefinger on center of forehead; extend left hand out and up at an angle of about 45 degrees, palm up; now bring right hand away from the forehead and place it palm down just above the bend of the elbow; bend the right hand down and at the same time the left up and repeat several times with a kind of beckoning motion. Or move the fingers of both hands in same position as above with a shaking motion like playing the keys of a piano. IV, 74.

Wait.—Extend the left arm out a little away from the side, palm up; bring the right hand in the same position "tandem"-wise, so the arm rests across the body; work the fingers as in playing a piano or a stringed instrument, only have the fingers pointing up. IV, 75.

Wish, want (something desired).—Hold the hands straight out but elbows resting against the sides; hold the palms up, fingers slightly bent like the claws of an eagle; bring the elbows back, and hold hands as if drawing something toward you. IV, 76.

Not to want, Don't want.—Hold hands in similar position, but instead of drawing back turn the hands upside down as if dropping out whatever might be in them. IV, 77.

Wonder, Astonishment.—Throw the extended hands, up in amazement. IV, 78.

Surprise.—Close the thumb and forefinger of each hand, the rest of the fingers also closed; place them directly in front of the eyes (one at either eye); suddenly open thumbs and forefingers, representing motion of opening the eyes suddenly and show look of surprise. V, 79.

Satisfied.—With a slightly upward motion draw the middle finger across the heart (feel) and then raise the hand till it strikes the back under the chin. V, 80.

Contented (in sense of relief from anxiety).—Middle finger drawn upward across heart (feel); then bring both hands up, palms down, edge of forefingers against breast, ends touching; draw the hands down while still held against the breast, as if pressing the disturbed feeling down. V, 81.

Dissatisfied, Discontented, etc.—Place the palm against the breast and then shake the body with a twisting motion several times, or make sign "satisfied" and "not."

Peace.—Clasp hands (shake hands with yourself), then turn them over and repeat in opposite direction; then bring hands away from each other, palms down, as if stroking something on either side in opposite directions. V, 82.

Excited.—Bring both middle fingers against the body at the front, one on either side, and draw first one then the other upward against the body and repeat, moving the hands alternately, assuming a nervous manner.

Endure, Suffer (bear or carry a burden).—Press the forefinger against the lips; then move hands up the shoulder as if holding the end of something resting thereon; bring the shoulders and hands forward a little simultaneously as if carrying a burden. Some place the thumb in position of letter "A" against the lips instead of the forefinger. V, 83.

Pity (feel sorry for).—Draw the middle finger upward against the heart (feel), and then bring the open hand out extended toward the imaginary object of pity, making a kind of stroking or circular motion with the hand, as if giving comfort. V, 84.

Earnest, Zealous, Industrious (giving the idea of enthusiasm manifested toward object at hand).—Rub the open hands together in an enthusiastic way, a slow or rapid manner indicating the degree of earnestness. V, 85.

Scare, Frighten, etc.—Bring the "V" hands out to the front and side with ends of fingers and thumb held together; throw the hands toward the front of the body, and open them suddenly so the palms will strike flat and the ends of the hands come about together, and with wide-open eyes exhibit frightened look. V, 86.

Fear.—Throw the hands up as if warding off impending danger, and shrink back. V, 87.

Blush.—Draw the end of the forefinger down across the lower lip to indicate the red color; bring the hand with thumb closed against ends of fingers up to the side of the cheek, then holding it easily against the cheek suddenly throw out the thumb and fingers to indicate diffusion of color. V, 88.

Embarrassed, Bashful, Confused, etc.—Draw forefinger down over the lower lip to indicate color (red), then placing the hands one at the side of either cheek but away from them, push them upward in a shaky motion till the ends are on a level with the top of the head, indicating confusion.

Shame.—Place the backs of the fingers of one hand against the cheek; bend head slightly against them; draw the fingers up against the cheek, and straighten them with a motion of throwing the hand off toward the person shamed. To indicate self shame, place hands in same position, but draw the fingers against the cheek with a twisting motion, and do not let it leave the cheek, but draw the head back a little as if indicating a shamed feeling. To express "shame on you," the hand is thrown toward the person in an emphatic way while the eyes condemn. V. 89.

Warm.—Hold the bent hand up to the mouth as if to blow into it; with a slightly upward motion bring the hand away slowly and bring the fingers open, one by one.

If reference is had to the weather or atmosphere, draw the forefinger (crooked) across the forehead. V. 90.

Hot.—Bring the hand up to the mouth with fingers crooked as if ready to take something from it; suddenly draw it away and turn it over as if dropping something from it in haste. Excessive summer heat is indicated by same sign as for warm (drawing forefinger across forehead) made with a good deal of emphasis.

Cold.—Draw elbows up at side with fists against the body and shake the arms and fists. V. 91.

Humble.—Bring the "B" hand up to the mouth, placing it perpendicularly edgewise against the lips; draw the hand down along the center of the breast and outward toward the side, bending the head in humility.

Don't care.—Place tips of "and" hand on forehead, bring away to one side and throw down with a jerk, opening the hands. V, 92. Or,

(2) Place the end of the forefinger on the end of the nose; bring it away partly to one side and throw down toward the ground.

Note: This is a rather objectionable slang sign but much used to designate lack of interest in, announcement that one will have nothing to do with, and to say that one does not want anything to do with.

Ambitious (anxious to put oneself forward).—Place the back of the thumb of "A" hand against breast, and with a more or less strong motion bring the hand up and outward, giving the body a sympathetic motion to indicate pushing oneself forward.

Note: The same sign with a wilful expression of countenance and movement of the head is sometimes made to indicate wilfulness. The hand is held more firmly against the breast indicating "self."

Engagement (in sense of a promise binding one, contract).—Bring the left "S" hand out with back of hand up; bring the right "A" hand out toward it, and, describing a small circle with the right hand, bring the right wrist down on the top of the left wrist and rest as if the hands had become tied together. When it is wished to indicate a betrothal, with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand grasp imaginary ring on left ring finger, then make sign for an engagement. Sometimes the sign for "promise" precedes the sign for engagement.

Jealous, Envy, etc.—Bite the end of the forefinger. To express specifically the idea of envy as different from jealousy make sign for jealous, look toward imaginary object and make sign for want; i. e., reach out hands as if ready to receive something, fingers in grasping position upward, and draw toward self. V. 93, 94.

Good-bye.—Place fingers of open hand on the lips and throw out hand as if throwing a kiss. The same sign is used indiscriminately to greet one, thank one, and bid farewell; the circumstances indicate the meaning. V. 96.

Hungry.—Bring up hand with fingers and thumb slightly bent, the ends against the breast; draw downward, the ends of fingers and thumbs against breast, to indicate a gnawing sensation. This sign is used to indicate strong desire for anything when followed by sign for "want." V, 95.

Feet hurt.—Strike the heart with the end of the middle finger of the right "5" hand bent in toward the palm. Sometimes the hand is withdrawn and "flipped" downward.

Sympathy.—Make sign for "feel," then by a contraction of the sign for agree, bring the hands together as in "with."

Avaricious.—Scrape the left palm with hand held out with the fingers of the right, adding the sign for money—an "itching palm."

Anxious.—The half open left "bent" hand is held breast high and the palm scraped by the fingers of the right. Or express the idea by a combination of other signs, like "feel a strong desire."

Faith, Confidence, Trust.—Place the end of the right "G" finger at center of forehead (or on lips) as in "believe," then lifting left open hand outward and upward, hang the right hand on it by the end of the fingers. Or,

Instead of bringing the hands together as described, raise both slightly toward the left, upward, with the left higher than the right, and make motion of firmly grasping something held toward you.

Patient.—Place the end of the right "G" hand on the lips, press and at the same time bow the head as if in resignation; repeat latter motion once or twice.

Differ, Disagree.—Place the end of the right "G" hand at center of forehead as in "think," then bring the right hand down and the left "G" hand up and out toward the left, bringing the two sharply to a stop with ends of fingers directly opposite, that is, pointing toward each other—at "dagger's points."

Belong to.—Link the two "O" hands and add sign of possession, or "your."

Plate IV.

Plate V.