Signs for FLASH

There are many possible signs for "flash" that can mean different things, using different classifiers, locations, hand orientations, speed, duration, and other signifiers.

Meaning: A sudden brief burst of bright light or a sudden glint from a reflective surface.

For example, the video above shows a sign for a lamp that flashes multiple times (as seen in Deaf culture when one rings a doorbell).

Meaning: A light showing one or more flashes at regular intervals. E.g. siren.

E.g. ceiling lights are flashing by turning on and off quickly and repetitively.

Deaf Culture and tidbits

ASL Story

A Deaf person told a hilarious story I've heard (in ASL, of course). She told: We had a baby-crying detector installed in my baby's room. Whenever the baby cried, the light flashed in other room. When a light flashed, I came into the nursery room but everything was quiet. The baby was still sleeping. The Siamese cat was sitting quietly. I left. Again, the light flashed. I came in. Same. Again and again. I suspected something. I quietly waited nearby. The moment the light flashed, I immediately checked in to see the mischievous Siamese cat meowing loudly. This little rascal played a prank on me!

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Search Tips and Pointers

Search/Filter: Enter a keyword in the filter/search box to see a list of available words with the "All" selection. Click on the page number if needed. Click on the blue link to look up the word. For best result, enter a partial word to see variations of the word.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes
Screenshot of the search dictionary

Alphabetical letters: It's useful for 1) a single-letter word (such as A, B, etc.) and 2) very short words (e.g. "to", "he", etc.) to narrow down the words and pages in the list.

For best result, enter a short word in the search box, then select the alphetical letter (and page number if needed), and click on the blue link.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes
Screenshot of the search dictionary

Don't forget to click "All" back when you search another word with a different initial letter.

If you cannot find (perhaps overlook) a word but you can still see a list of links, then keep looking until the links disappear! Sharpening your eye or maybe refine your alphabetical index skill. :)

Add a Word: This dictionary is not exhaustive; ASL signs are constantly added to the dictionary. If you don't find a word/sign, you can send your request (only if a single link doesn't show in the result).

Videos: The first video may be NOT the answer you're looking for. There are several signs for different meanings, contexts, and/or variations. Browsing all the way down to the next search box is highly recommended.

Video speed: Signing too fast in the videos? See HELP in the footer.

ASL has its own grammar and structure in sentences that works differently from English. For plurals, verb inflections, word order, etc., learn grammar in the "ASL Learn" section. For search in the dictionary, use the present-time verbs and base words. If you look for "said", look up the word "say". Likewise, if you look for an adjective word, try the noun or vice versa. E.g. The ASL signs for French and France are the same. If you look for a plural word, use a singular word.