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Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Sign of the Day
sting
The BSL sign for 'sting' uses a G-hand to simulate a sharp, poking sensation, often performed on the non-dominant hand or arm
A2 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Index finger extended, other fingers curled into a fist
Sharp, quick jabbing or poking motion
Describing insect bites, sharp pains, or a critical remark
Break It Down
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How to form the sign
- Form a G-hand (index finger extended, others curled)
- Position dominant hand near non-dominant arm or hand
- Perform a sharp, quick jabbing motion onto the non-dominant limb
- Withdraw hand slightly after the jab
Coach prompt
Practice signing 'sting' on your non-dominant arm with a sharp, quick motion
Signature details
Handshape
Index finger extended, other fingers curled into a fist · Code G-hand
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
N/A
Contact
Touch
Palm orientation
Towards target/body
Eyebrows
Furrowed
Eye gaze
At referent
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Pah, Poo (for sharpness/pain)
Body shift
Slight recoil
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.
My hand has a bee sting
Often accompanied by a wince or facial expression of discomfort
Best fit: Describing insect bites, sharp pains, or a critical remark
Mirror focus
Practice signing 'sting' on your non-dominant arm with a sharp, quick motion
Catch the slip
Ensure the handshape is a clear G-hand (index finger extended). The movement should be sharp and quick, not a slow poke
Use it today
My hand has a bee sting
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'pain' or 'injection'
When not to use it: When referring to emotional 'stings' without clear context
Regional note: Some variation in exact location or sharpness of movement
Cultural note: Directness of sign reflects the sharp, immediate nature of a sting
1.[en] I got a bee sting. / BSL:[Sign BEE, then STING on arm]
2.[en] The jellyfish sting hurt. / BSL:[Sign JELLYFISH, then STING on arm]
3.[en] He felt a sharp sting. / BSL:[Sign HE, then SHARP, then STING]
What is the BSL sign for sting?
The BSL sign for 'sting' involves a G-hand (index finger extended) making a sharp, quick jabbing motion.
How do you sign sting in BSL?
Form a G-hand with your dominant hand. Make a sharp, quick jabbing motion towards your non-dominant arm or hand, simulating the sensation.
Is sting one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The sign for 'sting' is one-handed, using the dominant hand to perform the jabbing motion on or near the non-dominant body part.
What handshape is used for sting in BSL?
The BSL sign for 'sting' uses a G-hand, which means the index finger is extended while the other fingers are curled into the palm.
How does sting differ from similar signs in BSL?
It's distinct from 'pain' (two G-hands tapping each other) or 'injection' (similar handshape, but usually a single, sustained poke, not a sharp jab).
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Word web
Prick
poke
jab
bite
Soothe
comfort
Insect
pain
bee
wasp
Pain
Bee
Wasp
Insect
Bite
Injection
The sign for 'sting' differs from 'pain' (two G-hands tapping each other, representing general ache) by being one-handed, sharper, and usually localized to a specific spot. It's distinct from 'injection' (a G-hand making a single, deliberate push into the arm) which focuses on the act of administering, rather than the sharp sensation
Insects
pain
sensation
injury
BSL sting
sign for sting
bee sting BSL
pain sign BSL
Injury
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