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Monday, April 14, 2025
Sign of the Day
work clothes
This BSL sign is a compound, combining the individual signs for 'WORK' and 'CLOTHES'. The first part, 'WORK', involves dominant S-hand tapping non-dominant S-hand. The second part, 'CLOTHES', involves both bent 5-hands brushing down the chest
A2 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant S-hand taps non-dominant S-hand; then both hands become bent 5-hands
Tap dominant S-hand on non-dominant S-hand; then brush bent 5-hands down chest twice
Discussing attire for a job, workplace, or specific profession
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form dominant S-hand, non-dominant S-hand
- Tap dominant S-hand on non-dominant S-hand at mid-body
- Form both hands into bent 5-hands
- Brush bent 5-hands down chest twice
Coach prompt
Practice signing 'work clothes' in different sentences. Focus on smooth transition between the two parts. Ask yourself 'What clothes do I wear for work?' and sign your answer
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant S-hand taps non-dominant S-hand; then both hands become bent 5-hands · Code S-hand, Bent 5-hand
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Tap, Brush
Palm orientation
For WORK: palms face each other. For CLOTHES: palms face inwards towards chest
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Neutral or 'work clothes'
Body shift
None
Use It Today
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I need to wash my work clothes before tomorrow
This is a compound sign combining the BSL signs for 'WORK' and 'CLOTHES'
Best fit: Discussing attire for a job, workplace, or specific profession
Mirror focus
Practice signing 'work clothes' in different sentences. Focus on smooth transition between the two parts. Ask yourself 'What clothes do I wear for work?' and sign your answer
Catch the slip
Ensure the S-hands are firm fists for 'WORK' and the bent 5-hands are open with curved fingers for 'CLOTHES'. Check correct location: mid-body for 'WORK', chest for 'CLOTHES'
Use it today
I need to wash my work clothes before tomorrow
Common mistakes: Confusing with general 'clothes' or 'work' signs separately
When not to use it: When referring to casual attire or specific named items of clothing
Regional note: None
Cultural note: The sign clearly distinguishes professional attire from everyday wear
1.[en] I need my work clothes. / BSL:ME NEED WORK-CLOTHES
2.[en] Do you wear work clothes? / BSL:YOU WEAR WORK-CLOTHES Q
3.[en] These are new work clothes. / BSL:THESE NEW WORK-CLOTHES
What is the BSL sign for work clothes?
It's a compound sign combining 'WORK' (dominant S-hand taps non-dominant S-hand at mid-body) and 'CLOTHES' (both bent 5-hands brush down the chest).
How do you sign work clothes in BSL?
First, tap your dominant S-hand on your non-dominant S-hand at mid-body. Then, change both hands to bent 5-hands and brush them downwards on your chest twice.
Is work clothes one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
It is a two-handed sign. Both hands are actively involved in performing both the 'WORK' component and the 'CLOTHES' component of the sign.
What handshape is used for work clothes in BSL?
The sign uses an S-hand (a fist) for the 'WORK' part of the sign. It then transitions to bent 5-hands (open palms with curved fingers) for the 'CLOTHES' part.
How does work clothes differ from similar signs in BSL?
It combines WORK and CLOTHES. WORK differs from JOB (tap non-dominant forearm). CLOTHES differs from SHIRT (pulling at collar). This compound specifies the attire's purpose.
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Word web
Uniform
professional wear
occupational attire
Casual clothes
leisure wear
home clothes
Work
clothes
uniform
job
profession
Work
Clothes
Uniform
Job
Outfit
The sign 'WORK CLOTHES' is a compound. It uses the BSL sign 'WORK' (dominant S-hand taps non-dominant S-hand at mid-body) followed by the BSL sign 'CLOTHES' (both bent 5-hands brush down the chest). It differs from the general sign 'WORK' by adding the 'CLOTHES' component. It differs from the general sign 'CLOTHES' by preceding it with the 'WORK' component, specifying the type of clothing. The sign 'JOB' uses an S-hand tapping the non-dominant forearm, a different location and movement
Apparel
profession
attire
uniform
BSL work clothes
sign for uniform
job attire sign
professional clothing BSL
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