ASL Signs Gone WRONG | Avoid Making These Mistakes!

*PARENTAL WARNING:* Some of the signs taught in this video are inappropriate for children. Therefore we advise parents of children to watch this video first to decide if they want their child to learn these signs. As Sarah states in the video, "this video is not meant to offend you, but to help you not offend others." Or embarrass you! All content is appropriate for all ages before the 4:15 timestamp.

*Learn with Sarah!*

Overview: Hey Signers! Learn how to avoid common ASL mistakes that can lead to unintentional, and sometimes hilarious, miscommunication. From innocent slip-ups to signs with unintended meanings, this video will help you sign smarter and more confidently.

💰 Accelerated 20% Off Discount Code: *youtube20*

Summary: Sarah, explores common ASL mistakes that can lead to unintended and sometimes embarrassing miscommunication. With a mix of humor and practical advice, Sarah demonstrates how subtle differences in handshape, movement, and expression can drastically change the meaning of a sign. From confusing "HUNGRY" with *cough, something else, to mistakenly signing "nice to date you" instead of "nice to meet you," the video emphasizes the importance of precision in signing. Sarah also shares real-life anecdotes, such as a humorous misunderstanding involving her husband and a well-meaning counselor, to highlight how easily these errors can happen. The video transitions from innocent errors to more sensitive mistakes, that some may view as inappropriate for children. Sarah stresses the importance of proper hand positioning and movement to ensure clear and respectful communication. By breaking down these errors and offering correct examples, she equips viewers with the knowledge to avoid these pitfalls.

*More From LHTS*

*NAVIGATION*
0:00 - Intro
0:09 - DISCLAIMER: Parental Advisory
1:12 - Confusing similar signs
1:17 - SCHOOL, PAPER, CLEAN, NICE
2:25 - I've seen my students do this
2:48 - MEET vs DATE
3:04 - Funny Story: Counselor’s Signing Slip-Up
4:15 - DISCLAIMER: More inappropriate Signs start here
4:20 - Be careful with the sign MEET
5:05 - Be careful when using the "FEEL-finger"
5:42 - WHAT'S-UP, BACK-OFF
5:47 - SMART, FAVORITE, BIRTHDAY
6:33 - HUNGRY and VERY-HUNGRY and H****
7:20 - Be careful with the sign MONTH
8:04 - Encouragement

#asl #learnasl #learnhowtosign

Codes: ZADORK1GNM31BWDL

*Our Mission*
At Learn How to Sign, our mission is clear: to empower individuals, regardless of their background, with the language of ASL.

We believe in opening doors to a world where voice-off communication connects people in meaningful ways. Whether you’re Deaf or hard of hearing and need to learn ASL, a parent striving to bond with your Deaf child, someone passionate about learning ASL, or simply curious about this beautiful language, we are here to support your journey.

Our goal is to make ASL accessible to all, offering tools, guidance, and resources that inspire confidence and fluency. Picture yourself communicating effortlessly with the Deaf community, using your hands to share emotions, ideas, and stories.

As the go-to online ASL education hub, we provide a transformative learning experience that removes barriers and fosters connections. With Learn How to Sign, you become part of a community dedicated to breaking boundaries and building bridges through the power of ASL.

Ultimately, we want to help you unlock what American Sign Language can do for you and those around you. Ultimately, we want you to Learn How to Sign!

[debralotz]

When I was student teaching, I thought I was signing "vegetable" but I was told later that I was signing "virgin"! I was so embarrassed as the students laughed and I had no idea!! Loved this video! Thank you Sarah

[JulianTruant]

I love that this channel has a sense of humor. Thank you for all the great videos that help me improve my ASL.

[LouiseBerryhill]

An ASL teacher told a story about early in her career working at a school for the deaf in our state, she wanted to sign “Ketchup” at lunch time and accidentally was signing “Humping” instead!… the children though it was funny and a seasoned teacher helped correct her but she was very embarrassed.

[kryssysmith]

Now I know the sign for "condom" (LOL). Thank you, Sarah and Meredith, for this channel! After 2–3 years of learning ASL from you, I can now have basic conversations with deaf people.

[DanielGray-hltf]

Signing something wrong or offensive has been one of my greatest fears since the beginning of my ASL journey. Although I love them all, this is one of the best videos I’ve seen on LHTS. Definitely has improved my confidence. Thank you so much. Oh, the moment I heard Meredith laughing off camera 😂😂😂

[sandyrice]

Sarah, I know I've said this numerous times, but I'm going to say it again: I love how you incorporate humor into your lessons. The information you're teaching us is so important, and yet you're able to convey it with humor and grace. Thank you ❤

[aliciascott]

I dont' remember all the mistakes I have made. But I do remember my deaf teacher getting frustrated with me switching from my right to left hand all the time. She would always ask me which was my dominate hand. I would reply "right". To which she would proceed to tell me to stop using my left hand. Honestly, I still do it. I know it is bad but my left hand just gets in the way. I call it my ASL lisp.

[gerriebell]

This is the first time seeing any of your videos. I was an ASL interpreter for 25 years (learned ASL when I was 25), then became a special ed teacher working in RSP, and then became ASL credentialed and taught ASL at a high school for 10 years and retired 8 years ago. I love how you teach, explaining the parameters and how changes in those radically change the meaning of what you want to say. By the way, that “middle finger bent down” handshape, I was taught it is named “open 8”. I watch ASL videos to avoid losing the language. It’s hard to find truly good ones….And now I have become hard of hearing, which is kind of ironic. Take care! I’ll watch some more of your channel. 🤟🏼

[Weeds_and_Wishes]

I love that you were blushing during some of those explanations. You had me giggling right along with you!
Way back in 1995 at Mount Aloysius College in PA, we had a large group of deaf students from Central America. They were there to learn ASL. The college has a great translation program there. During a meet and greet activity, we played the alphabet game to practice our signs. (Sign words beginning with each letter in a circle whilst also remembering everyone else's signs until the last one who remembers all correctly. I can't recall the word or sign in which I got wrong, but I remember EVERYONE was laughing. It was a great ice breaker. Living with my deaf friends was the best way to learn. Sadly, I've lost it.
Decades later, and I want to help with the ASL team at church. I need a lot of practice.
Thank you for this channel!

[BettyGordon-uqrp]

Wow thank you for sharing this. I'm learning sign language and don't want to make that mistake. Thanks

[frankiebluej]

I needed a laugh today. I learned correct signs and some rather inappropriate ones 😂 Your blushing was perfect. I can see the embarrassment of those mistakes! Thank you.

[HarmonyinColor]

As a beginner ASL learner, this is very informative! I appreciate your humor as well !

[lorieguill]

I'm so glad u did a few of these and I hope u do more. Some may say it's a crude video teaching "dirty" words in sign but I truly appreciate it so hopefully we don't make the same mistakes in public. Thanks! 🤟

[csueconner]

I learned more in this one video than many other videos from other teachers. Thank you,

[kimberlyyoung]

I remember once signing at church and I thought I signed “come to the cross” when I was told by the deaf that I said for her to go to hell. Awww Lawdddd!!!

[LinnetteParker]

Thanks so much for the video! I was a part of an ASL group of Jehovah's Witnesses for two years, and one day a friend and I went to Denny's after an ASL meeting to eat and prepare for the next ASL meeting. I felt so tired and lazy. I put the letter L on my forehead and said "girl, I'm feeling lazy". My friend who is fluent in ASL said " for lazy, you put the L sign (laying down) on your opposite shoulder. you just signed loser not lazy! LOL

[a-aronmusic]

😂😂😂😂 This was fun to learn. Now I'll be extra careful when signing

[WhiteSpatula]

Meredith!! My goodness! Thank you so much for trusting us with this information. I know you didn’t request this but I want to make a quick oath as a grateful student: I will appreciate my knowledge of these signs and my ability to recognize them as a mature adult. And I will not attempt to use them in the wrong place nor at the wrong time. I truly mean it. Cheers! -Phill

[BeauOnTheGo_DC]

As someone who has always wanted to learn sign language, I love your teaching style and your general personality. Thank you so much!

[MelodyFoster-ryuu]

I remember interpreting and signed what I thought was "parade" but actually signed" funeral" instead. My students were confused to say the least! We got that corrected quickly! LOL!