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Archive Replay
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Sign of the Day
tarpaulin
The sign for 'tarpaulin' is iconic, mimicking the action of unrolling or spreading a large, flat, heavy sheet over an area. The flat hands represent the material itself
B1 Uncommon Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Both hands flat, palms down, fingers together
Hands spread outwards horizontally from center
Describing protective covers for objects, groundsheets for camping, or temporary shelters
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
- Form flat B-hands, palms down, fingers together
- Place hands together at mid-chest/stomach
- Move hands outwards horizontally, separating them
- Maintain flat handshape throughout
Coach prompt
Practice spreading your hands evenly. Imagine covering a wide surface
Signature details
Handshape
Both hands flat, palms down, fingers together · Code Flat B-hand
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Symmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Palms down
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Mouth English 'tarpaulin'
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.
We used a tarpaulin to cover the woodpile
This sign emphasizes the act of spreading a flat, durable covering
Best fit: Describing protective covers for objects, groundsheets for camping, or temporary shelters
Mirror focus
Practice spreading your hands evenly. Imagine covering a wide surface
Catch the slip
Ensure both hands are flat and palms down. Keep movement horizontal and symmetrical
Use it today
We used a tarpaulin to cover the woodpile
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'sheet' or 'blanket' if handshape/movement is slightly off
When not to use it: When referring to a soft blanket or a thin paper sheet
Regional note: None known
Cultural note: N/A
1.[en] The builder covered the roof with a tarpaulin. / BSL:[Sign TARPAULIN, then indicate covering motion]
2.[en] We need a tarpaulin for the camping trip. / BSL:[Sign NEED, then TARPAULIN, then CAMPING]
3.[en] The boat was kept dry under a large tarpaulin. / BSL:[Sign BOAT, then UNDER, then TARPAULIN]
What is the BSL sign for tarpaulin?
It uses both flat hands, palms down, starting together at mid-chest/stomach and spreading outwards horizontally.
How do you sign tarpaulin in BSL?
Form two flat hands, palms down, fingers together. Place them together at your mid-chest/stomach and move them outwards horizontally to represent spreading a sheet.
Is tarpaulin one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The BSL sign for tarpaulin is typically a two-handed sign. Both hands perform the same flat-hand spreading motion simultaneously.
What handshape is used for tarpaulin in BSL?
Both hands use a flat handshape, with fingers together and palms facing downwards. This is often referred to as a flat B-handshape.
How does tarpaulin differ from similar signs in BSL?
It differs from 'sheet' (often one hand drawing a rectangle), 'blanket' (pulling up motion or draping), and 'cover' (broader term). The specific two-handed flat spread at chest level is key.
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Word web
tarp
ground sheet
cover
sheet
material
plastic
shelter
waterproof
sheet
cover
plastic
camping
protection
waterproof
The BSL sign for 'tarpaulin' is distinct. It differs from 'SHEET' which often uses one flat hand tracing a rectangular shape or indicating thinness. 'BLANKET' typically involves two B-hands pulling up towards the shoulders or draping, conveying warmth. 'COVER' can be a more general sign. 'Tarpaulin' specifically uses two flat hands spreading symmetrically from a central point, emphasizing a heavy, protective layer being spread out
Construction
Camping
Protection
Outdoor
BSL tarpaulin
sign for tarp
tarpaulin sign language
outdoor
protection
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