Archive Replay Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Sign of the Day

gas

The sign for 'gas' in BSL uses the 'G' handshape near the mouth, wiggling upward to represent the rising, invisible nature of gas, often with puffed cheeks

A1 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Level A1
Frequency Common
Class Noun
Hand count One-handed
Movement Linear, Repeated
Location Near dominant side of face/mouth
Face & eyes Puffed cheeks
Language British Sign Language (BSL) · United Kingdom
Shape cue

Dominant hand forms 'G' handshape: index extended, thumb parallel to palm, other fingers closed

Motion cue

Wiggles upward by mouth, then closes

Meaning cue

Referring to fuel, air, or a gaseous state

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 a 'G' handshape with your dominant hand
  2. Position hand near dominant side of face/mouth
  3. Wiggle hand upward a few times
  4. Close hand into a fist at end of movement
Coach prompt

Practice forming the G-handshape and the upward wiggling motion by your mouth. Focus on the mouth morpheme

Signature details

Handshape Dominant hand forms 'G' handshape: index extended, thumb parallel to palm, other fingers closed · Code G-hand
Dominant hand Right
Symmetry Asymmetric
Contact Near
Palm orientation Palm faces slightly inward/backward
Eyebrows Neutral
Eye gaze Forward
Head movement None
Mouth morpheme Puffed cheeks
Body shift None
Use It Today

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Natural example
We need more gas for the car

Often accompanied by puffed cheeks to emphasize air/vapour

Best fit: Referring to fuel, air, or a gaseous state

Daily drills
Mirror focus

Practice forming the G-handshape and the upward wiggling motion by your mouth. Focus on the mouth morpheme

Catch the slip

Ensure the hand closes fully after the wiggle and the G-handshape is clear. Don't touch the mouth

Use it today

We need more gas for the car

Watch-outs

Common mistakes: Confusing with 'green' or 'gold' due to G-handshape

When not to use it: When referring to a specific gas type with its own sign

Regional note: Some slight variations in wiggle extent or speed

Cultural note: Reflects the invisible, upward movement of gas

Practice line

1.[en] The car needs gas. / BSL:[CAR NEED GAS]

Practice line

2.[en] Is there natural gas here? / BSL:[NATURAL GAS HERE Q]

Practice line

3.[en] Breathe in gas. / BSL:[BREATHE IN GAS]

What is the BSL sign for gas?

The BSL sign for 'gas' involves forming a 'G' handshape near your mouth, wiggling it upwards, then closing the hand. It often includes puffed cheeks.

How do you sign gas in BSL?

To sign 'gas' in BSL, make a 'G' handshape with your dominant hand near your mouth, palm slightly inward. Wiggle the hand upwards briefly, then close it into a fist. Puffed cheeks can accompany the sign.

Is gas one-handed or two-handed in BSL?

The sign for 'gas' in BSL is typically a one-handed sign, performed with the dominant hand.

What handshape is used for gas in BSL?

The 'G' handshape is used for 'gas' in BSL. This means the index finger is extended, and the thumb is held parallel to the palm, with the other fingers closed.

How does gas differ from similar signs in BSL?

The 'gas' sign differs from 'green' (G-handshape at back of hand) and 'gold' (G-handshape wiggled down from ear) by its specific location near the mouth and upward wiggling motion, combined with the closing action.

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Word web

Fuel air breath Solid liquid Petrol oxygen fire stove Petrol Oxygen Air Fuel Stove Energy

The sign for 'gas' (G-hand, wiggles up by mouth, then closes) is similar to 'green' (G-hand, wiggles at back of non-dominant hand, no closing) and 'gold' (G-hand, wiggles down from ear). Key differences are location, specific movement direction, and the final closing action in 'gas' which represents the dispersion

Fuel energy air cooking BSL gas sign for gas BSL fuel British Sign Language gas
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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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