FUCK, FUCK-UP

How to sign "fuck", "fuck up" in American Sign Language (ASL).

ASL signs for "fuck"

Meaning (euphemism): used alone or as a noun or verb in various phrases to express annoyance, contempt, or impatience.

It's a euphemism. As everyone knows the dysphemism of the obscene middle finger gesture, no need for an illustration. The derogatory symbol isn't the origin in ASL.

Though, in ASL there is another meaning of the sign with the same handshape that has nothing to do with the vulgar.

Meaning: fuck up (phrasal verb); fuck-up.

Definition (vulgar slang): to make a mistake or do something badly or ineptly; too ruin or spoil especially through stupidity or carelessness.

Deaf Wit

The British Deaf Association (BDA) drove a long-time campaign to push for the official recognition of British Sign Language (BSL). The BDA launched a clever "Westminster's attitude to recognizing BSL" campaign in 2000 that attracted attention.

Middle finger in the campaign — Image credit: BDA via terptree.co.uk/

This image doesn't refer to the middle finger gesture, not at all. It's the handshape of the BSL sign for "idling" or "lazy" in reference to the government for not doing further about the recognition of BSL. It's a clever pun to make a message.

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