Profanity in ASL

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ASL, the sign language used by the Deaf Community throughout most of North America, has a rich vocabulary of terms, which include profanity and cursing.

[edit] Examples

• The back of dominant open b-handshape flipped out under chin means "fuck you" or "so what?" Using a middle finger is the 'classic' flipping of the bird has the same meaning. Another common sign for "fuck you" uses an "FK" abbreviation, signed with an f-handshape changing to a k-handshape. ^{[citation needed]}

• The thumb/index finger side of a b-handshape struck against the side of the mouth or chin means "bitch" (contact point is the side of the index finger). "Bastard" can be produced by doing the same but on the forehead.

• Touching p-handshape middle finger to the nose tip then bringing it out to "F" (done with one hand) means "piss off", or, literally, “PENIS F”. This sign creates the meaning of “piss off” by combining the sign for "penis" and abbreviating "O-F-F-" by using simply one "F".

• Holding a d-handshape in front of the body with the index finger pointing somewhat forward and to the left and the palm pointing somewhat down, then shoving the hand quickly down and to the right as if condemning someone to hell signifies “Damn” The sign properly ends pointing mostly down and off to the right a bit. Doing this sign with an "H" means "hell."

• A rather illustrative sign for "bullshit" uses both arms held out, elbows bent, and folded in front of the signer with the right forearm on top of the left. The right hand mimics a pair of horns with the index and pinkie finger. The left hand mimics the "business end" with flapping fingers. However, this sign is not considered part of ASL, but rather invented by hearing people. ^{[citation needed]}

• The well known OK gesture, when held with the thumb on top at the level of the chest means "asshole", as seen in the film Mr. Holland's Opus. Another variant is shown in the image on the side.