Archive Replay Monday, April 21, 2025

Sign of the Day

kicking plate

The sign for "kicking plate" uses two hands. The dominant flat hand represents the plate, held stationary at hip height. The non-dominant hand, either a flat hand or fist (representing a foot), repeatedly taps upwards against the dominant hand. This visually depicts…

B1 Uncommon Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Technical
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Daily focus

Today’s meaning

A protective plate fixed to the lower part of a door or wall, typically to prevent damage from kicks

Source
Today’s Snapshot

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Level B1
Frequency Uncommon
Class Noun
Hand count Two-handed
Movement Repeated
Location Hip/thigh height (lower door/wall level)
Face & eyes None
Language British Sign Language (BSL) · UK
Shape cue

Dominant: Flat hand. Non-dominant: Flat hand or fist representing a foot

Motion cue

Non-dominant hand makes short upward tapping motion against dominant hand. Dominant hand holds position

Meaning cue

Discussing building features, home improvements, or protective elements on doors

Break It Down

Watch, build, and feel the movement

Use the numbered steps first, then check the sign anatomy cards to clean up the small details that make the sign look fluent instead of approximate.

How to form the sign

  1. Form flat dominant hand (B-hand) palm slightly down/forward
  2. Hold dominant hand steady at hip/thigh height
  3. Form non-dominant flat hand or fist (B-hand or S-hand) representing a foot
  4. Tap non-dominant hand upwards against the dominant hand repeatedly
Coach prompt

Practice holding the dominant hand steady. Focus on the tapping motion of the non-dominant hand, keeping it distinct

Signature details

Handshape Dominant: Flat hand. Non-dominant: Flat hand or fist representing a foot · Code D-B, ND-B/S
Dominant hand Either
Symmetry Asymmetric
Contact Tap
Palm orientation Dominant: Palm towards non-dominant hand. Non-dominant: Palm towards dominant hand
Eyebrows Neutral
Eye gaze Forward
Head movement None
Mouth morpheme None
Body shift None
Use It Today

Move from recognition to real-life use

Everything below is designed to make the sign sticky: where it feels natural, what learners miss, and how to use it without sounding robotic.

Natural example
The new door needs a kicking plate

Sign depicts the action of a foot repeatedly hitting a protective surface

Best fit: Discussing building features, home improvements, or protective elements on doors

Daily drills
Mirror focus

Practice holding the dominant hand steady. Focus on the tapping motion of the non-dominant hand, keeping it distinct

Catch the slip

Ensure dominant hand is flat and stationary. Non-dominant hand taps upwards against it, not sweeping. Maintain hip/thigh height

Use it today

The new door needs a kicking plate

Watch-outs

Common mistakes: Confusing with the verb 'kick', incorrect handshapes for foot/plate

When not to use it: Do not use for the verb 'to kick' or unrelated protective coverings

Regional note: Unlikely

Practice line

1.[en] Kicking plate. / BSL:[Sign]

Practice line

2.[en] Door plate. / BSL:[Sign]

Practice line

3.[en] Protect wall. / BSL:[Sign]

Connect the Dots

Turn one sign into a small learning cluster

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Word web

Kick plate door guard foot plate N/A Door wall foot protect kick Door Wall Kick Protect Renovation

KICK (verb): The verb "KICK" usually involves a single, more forceful, arcing movement of the non-dominant hand (foot), often forward into space or against a simulated object, without a stationary "plate" hand. "Kicking plate" uses repeated, smaller taps against a static dominant hand representing the plate.
DOOR: The sign for "DOOR" typically involves two flat hands moving apart or together, simulating opening/closing, not an impact

Architecture building DIY home Kicking plate kick plate door plate BSL
door BSL sign A1
door

A movable barrier in an opening, typically hinged for passage
wall BSL sign A1
wall

A vertical barrier, usually of brick or stone, enclosing or dividing an area
protect BSL sign A2
protect

To shield, guard, or keep safe from harm or danger
renovation BSL sign B2
renovation

The process of repairing and improving an existing building or structure
thirst BSL sign A1
thirst

Feeling a need or desire to drink
lesson BSL sign A1
lesson

A period of instruction or learning
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Today kicking plate B1 Sun cornice B2 Sat foam A2 Fri repair B1 Thu thread A1 Wed spruce B1 Tue well A1
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Video credit: The demonstration video on this page is credited to SpreadTheSign. The video remains the property of the original rightholder.

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