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How To Sign SHUTUP
in American Sign Language.
ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "SHUTUP" in American Sign Language (ASL), use your dominant hand in a flat handshape, starting with fingers pointing up near your mouth, then quickly move down and forward while closing into a fist, representing forcefully stopping speech.
📖 Word definition
A rude command telling someone to stop talking immediately; to be quiet or silent.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide

  1. Hand Shape: Start with flat hand (all fingers extended), end in closed fist.
  2. Starting Position: Dominant hand near mouth area, fingers pointing upward.
  3. Movement: Quick, sharp downward and forward motion while closing hand.
  4. Path: Straight line from mouth area down and slightly forward.
  5. Hand Orientation: Palm faces toward body initially, ends facing down.
  6. Facial Expression: Stern, serious expression showing authority or annoyance.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid

❌ Too gentle: Movement should be sharp and decisive, not slow.

❌ Wrong starting position: Must start near mouth, not at chest level.

❌ Incomplete closure: Hand must fully close into fist at the end.

❌ Weak facial expression: Expression should match the forceful nature of the command.

💬 Common Sentence Examples

"Just shut up already!"
How to sign: Sign "just" (J hand moves slightly forward) → sign "shut up" (flat hand to fist motion) → sign "already" (open hand brushes past other palm) → add emphatic facial expression.
"He told me to shut up."
How to sign: Sign "he" (point to side) → sign "told" (index finger from mouth forward) → sign "me" (point to self) → sign "shut up" (flat hand to fist motion).
"I wish they would shut up."
How to sign: Sign "I" (point to self) → sign "wish" (C hand down chest) → sign "they" (point to group) → sign "would" (W hand forward) → sign "shut up" (flat hand to fist motion).