HUG in sign language

ASL sign for HUG
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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.

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

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.

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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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