Archive Replay Saturday, February 28, 2026

Sign of the Day

scissors

BSL sign for scissors uses a V-handshape, mimicking the cutting action

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

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Level A1
Frequency Very Common
Class Noun
Hand count One-handed
Movement Repeated
Location Neutral space in front of the body
Face & eyes Neutral expression, often mouthing "scissors"
Language British Sign Language (BSL) · UK
Shape cue

Index and middle fingers extended, other fingers tucked

Motion cue

Repeated opening and closing of index and middle fingers

Meaning cue

Everyday object, school, crafts, DIY

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. Extend index and middle fingers, tuck others
  2. Point palm downwards or slightly forward
  3. Repeatedly open and close extended fingers
  4. Perform in neutral space in front
Coach prompt

Practice the V-handshape and repeated opening/closing motion

Signature details

Handshape Index and middle fingers extended, other fingers tucked · Code V-hand variant
Dominant hand Right
Symmetry N/A
Contact Air
Palm orientation Usually palm downwards or slightly towards signer
Eyebrows Neutral
Eye gaze Forward
Head movement None
Mouth morpheme Mouthing "scissors" or "cut"
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
Please pass the scissors for this craft project

Sign mimics the physical action of using scissors to cut

Best fit: Everyday object, school, crafts, DIY

Daily drills
Mirror focus

Practice the V-handshape and repeated opening/closing motion

Catch the slip

Ensure only index and middle fingers move; maintain handshape

Use it today

Please pass the scissors for this craft project

Watch-outs

Common mistakes: Incorrect handshape, wrong movement speed or repetition

When not to use it: Not applicable for a basic object

Regional note: Minimal, widely understood across the UK

Cultural note: None specific to the sign itself

Practice line

1.[en] I need scissors. / BSL:[need scissors]

Practice line

2.[en] Sharp scissors. / BSL:[sharp scissors]

Practice line

3.[en] Use the scissors. / BSL:[use scissors]

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Word web

Shears clippers Cut paper craft sharp open Cut Paper Craft Tool Sharp Open

The BSL sign for "scissors" (noun) is very similar to the verb "CUT" (with scissors). Both use the V-handshape and repeated opening/closing movement; the distinction often lies in context. It differs from "KNIFE," which typically uses a G-hand (index finger extended) with a slicing or stabbing motion. "PLIERS" usually involves a C-hand or modified 5-hand with a gripping or squeezing action. The V-hand and specific finger movement are key to "scissors."

Tool stationery cutting craft BSL scissors sign scissors cut sign BSL craft tool sign Stationery
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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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