Archive Replay Friday, June 6, 2025

Sign of the Day

socket outlet

This sign visually represents pushing a plug into a wall socket. The dominant index finger is the 'plug', the non-dominant palm is the 'socket'

A1 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Daily focus
Today’s Snapshot

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Level A1
Frequency Common
Class Noun
Hand count Two-handed
Movement Linear
Location Non-dominant palm
Face & eyes None
Language British Sign Language (BSL) · United Kingdom
Shape cue

Dominant G-hand, non-dominant B-hand

Motion cue

Dominant index finger pushes into non-dominant palm

Meaning cue

Describing electrical points in a building

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 dominant G-hand
  2. Form non-dominant B-hand, palm up/forward
  3. Push dominant index finger into non-dominant palm once
Coach prompt

Practice forming handshapes accurately and executing the pushing movement clearly. Focus on the contact point

Signature details

Handshape Dominant G-hand, non-dominant B-hand · Code G, B
Dominant hand Either
Symmetry Asymmetric
Contact Touch
Palm orientation Dominant index points towards non-dominant palm. Non-dominant palm faces slightly up/forward
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
I need to plug the lamp into the socket outlet

Mimics inserting a plug into a wall socket

Best fit: Describing electrical points in a building

Daily drills
Mirror focus

Practice forming handshapes accurately and executing the pushing movement clearly. Focus on the contact point

Catch the slip

Ensure the dominant hand's index finger is extended, and the non-dominant hand forms a flat palm. The push should be direct

Use it today

I need to plug the lamp into the socket outlet

Watch-outs

Common mistakes: Confusing with general 'push' sign

When not to use it: When referring to a literal hole, not an electrical point

Regional note: Minimal

Cultural note: N/A

Practice line

1.[en] Where's the socket? / BSL:[point to wall, then sign]

Practice line

2.[en] Plug it in here. / BSL:[sign, then point]

Practice line

3.[en] I need an outlet. / BSL:[sign]

What is the BSL sign for socket outlet?

It uses a dominant G-hand (index finger extended) pushing into a non-dominant B-hand (flat palm).

How do you sign socket outlet in BSL?

Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm facing slightly up/forward. Use your dominant index finger to push into the palm, mimicking plugging in.

Is socket outlet one-handed or two-handed in BSL?

This sign is typically two-handed, as it requires both hands to represent the plug (dominant index) and the socket (non-dominant palm).

What handshape is used for socket outlet in BSL?

The dominant hand uses a G-hand (index finger extended). The non-dominant hand uses a B-hand (flat palm, fingers together).

How does socket outlet differ from similar signs in BSL?

It's similar to 'push' but specifically targets the palm, representing a distinct object. 'Plug' might involve a more general insertion, while 'button' often uses a different handshape or location.

Connect the Dots

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Word web

Electrical outlet power point plug socket N/A Plug electricity wall power plug electricity wall power charger appliance

PUSH: Similar movement (finger against surface) but often uses a different handshape or direction, and a more general meaning of exerting force. PLUG: Can be similar, but 'plug' often refers to the object itself or the action of connecting, sometimes using a more abstract motion or specific plug shape. BUTTON: Often uses a similar G-hand, but usually taps a different location (e.g., chest, other hand's thumb) and has a tapping motion rather than a firm push representing insertion

Home power appliance electricity BSL socket electrical outlet sign power point BSL home
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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.

All written explanations, learning notes, examples, comparisons, and page design on this page are SignDeaf educational material.

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