HUG in sign language

ASL sign for HUG
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This word entry contains a video of ASL sign for "hug", a time-lapse video of baby signing "hug" and vocabulary.

ASL signword for HUG

Learn how to sign "hug" in American Sign Language.

Meaning: squeeze (someone) tightly in one's arms, typically to express affection.

Pronunciation (sign description): Two-handed "S" hands (handshape) with the palms in (orientation) are crossed at the wrists toward the chest (location and movement).

Learner tip: Don't confuse this with LOVE. Context as always.

Baby signing HUG in ASL

This timelapse video with English subtitles shows how the child's handshape, location, and movement develop from baby to pre-K in ASL phonological acquisition.

ASL-speaking babies don't develop to cross arms (proximalization) till later, just like vocal-speaking babies take time to develop their phonemes. Watch the time-lapse video of the phonological development for HUG.

See the timecode at 0:31 where the baby talked to herself, "BEAR..HUG" in the middle of the night, lol. 0:43 -> "CL:ladybug HUG". 0:46-> BEAR FALL SLAP-FACE, CRY, GIMME-a-HUG. 1:03-> PET.. (asking for getting off to come to the life-sized lion statute to hug). 1:23-> DAD.. HUG.. (gesture). 2:00 -> GHOST WILL CLUTCH. BAD GHOST HAUNT+CLASP. NO, GHOST CLUTCH-ME, CATCH/GET ME.

Vocabulary

Related signs: HUGGLE, CUDDLE, XO (psst, and a fun theory).

Language learning, language play, etc.

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Some word entries have one of some tidbits in this section, such as minimal pairs of sign words, rhymes, etc. usually related to or associated with its word entry.

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