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Sunday, January 25, 2026
Sign of the Day
chlorine
The sign for chlorine in BSL uses a C-handshape near the nose, moving slightly forward with a 'phew' facial expression. This mimics reacting to a strong, pungent chemical smell
B1 Uncommon Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Technical
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C-handshape, with the index finger and thumb forming a 'C', other fingers naturally curled
Hand moves slightly forward and down from the nose/mouth area
Discussing swimming pools, water treatment, or chemical substances
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 a C-handshape with your dominant hand
- Place the C-hand near your nose/mouth area, palm slightly inwards
- Move the hand slightly forward and down, as if recoiling
- Simultaneously make a slight nose scrunch or 'phew' facial expression
Coach prompt
Practice the C-handshape, movement from nose, and the 'phew' face
Signature details
Handshape
C-handshape, with the index finger and thumb forming a 'C', other fingers naturally curled · Code C
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Near
Palm orientation
Palm faces slightly towards the signer, or to the left (if right-dominant)
Eyebrows
Furrowed
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
Back
Mouth morpheme
'Phew' or 'pah'
Body shift
Slight recoil of upper body sometimes
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
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[en] The swimming pool smells of chlorine. / BSL: SWIMMING-POOL SMELL (of) CHLORINE
The non-manual features are crucial to convey the strong, distinct, often pungent smell
Best fit: Discussing swimming pools, water treatment, or chemical substances
Mirror focus
Practice the C-handshape, movement from nose, and the 'phew' face
Catch the slip
Ensure the C-hand is clearly formed and the non-manual expression conveys a strong, distinct smell
Use it today
[en] The swimming pool smells of chlorine. / BSL: SWIMMING-POOL SMELL (of) CHLORINE
Common mistakes: Confusing with general 'smell' or 'chemical' signs without specific non-manuals
When not to use it: When referring to a pleasant smell or generic liquid
Regional note: Minor variations in hand position or specific non-manuals exist
Cultural note: N/A
1.[en] Pool has chlorine. / BSL: POOL HAVE CHLORINE
2.[en] Chlorine kills germs. / BSL: CHLORINE KILL GERMS
3.[en] Smell the chlorine. / BSL: SMELL CHLORINE
What is the BSL sign for chlorine?
The BSL sign for 'chlorine' involves a C-handshape near the nose, moving slightly forward with a 'phew' facial expression, mimicking the strong, pungent smell of the chemical.
How do you sign chlorine in BSL?
Form a C-hand, place it near your nose/mouth, then move it slightly forward and down while making a 'phew' face or scrunching your nose to convey the strong smell.
Is chlorine one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The BSL sign for 'chlorine' is typically a one-handed sign, performed with the dominant hand. The non-dominant hand is not involved in the sign's formation.
What handshape is used for chlorine in BSL?
The primary handshape used for 'chlorine' in BSL is the C-handshape. The index finger and thumb form a C, with the other fingers naturally curled or slightly relaxed.
How does chlorine differ from similar signs in BSL?
It differs from general 'SMELL' (often an open B-hand near nose, moving away) by its specific C-hand and strong non-manuals for pungency. It also differs from generic 'CHEMICAL' (often a C-hand on the non-dominant hand, then dominant hand taps it) by its location near the nose and specific recoil motion.
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Word web
Bleach
disinfectant
pool chemical
Fresh air
clean (absence of chemical)
Pool
water
chemical
smell
clean
Swimming
Chemical
Smell
Pool
Disinfectant
The sign for CHLORINE uses a C-hand near the nose, moving slightly forward with a strong 'phew' or nose-scrunch expression. This differentiates it from:
SMELL (general): Often uses an open B-hand or a 5-hand, moving from the nose outwards, but without the specific C-hand or strong negative non-manuals of chlorine.
CHEMICAL: Often uses a C-hand on the non-dominant hand (or a general classifier for liquid), with the dominant hand performing an action, not usually near the nose representing smell.
* NASTY/DISGUSTING: Involves a strong facial expression but typically uses a different handshape (e.g., clawed hand) and movement (e.g., pushing away from chest), not specifically focused on a smell from the nose
Science
swimming
health
chemicals
cleaning
BSL chlorine
sign for chlorine
chemical sign
swimming pool sign
science
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