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Archive Replay
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Sign of the Day
plug
The BSL sign for 'plug' visually represents the action of connecting an electrical plug. It uses a pointing finger to act as the 'plug' and the other hand to simulate the 'socket' it inserts into
A1 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant hand: index finger extended, thumb tucked alongside. Non-dominant hand: 'C' or 'O' shape
Dominant hand moves forward, pushing slightly into the non-dominant hand
When discussing electrical connections or devices requiring a power plug
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 G-hand with dominant hand
- Form C-hand with non-dominant hand, palm facing dominant
- Position G-hand index finger near C-hand opening
- Move dominant hand forward, pushing finger slightly into C-hand opening
Coach prompt
Practice forming the G-handshape with your dominant hand and the C-handshape with your non-dominant hand. Focus on the smooth, inserting movement
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand: index finger extended, thumb tucked alongside. Non-dominant hand: 'C' or 'O' shape · Code Index finger extended (dominant), C-hand/O-hand (non-dominant)
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Near
Palm orientation
Dominant hand: palm generally faces the non-dominant hand. Non-dominant hand: palm faces the dominant hand
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
At referent
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
N/A
Body shift
None
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
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I need to plug in my phone
The non-dominant hand typically forms a 'socket' shape to clarify the meaning
Best fit: When discussing electrical connections or devices requiring a power plug
Mirror focus
Practice forming the G-handshape with your dominant hand and the C-handshape with your non-dominant hand. Focus on the smooth, inserting movement
Catch the slip
Ensure the non-dominant hand forms a clear 'socket' shape and the dominant hand performs a distinct 'inserting' motion
Use it today
I need to plug in my phone
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'point' or 'button' due to similar dominant handshape
When not to use it: Not for metaphorical uses like 'plug a gap' or 'plug a product'
Regional note: None widely noted
Cultural note: N/A
1.[en] Where is the plug? / BSL:[SHOW WHERE PLUG IS]
2.[en] I need to plug in my laptop. / BSL:[I NEED PLUG-IN LAPTOP]
3.[en] This plug is broken. / BSL:[THIS PLUG BROKEN]
What is the BSL sign for plug?
The BSL sign for 'plug' uses the dominant hand (index finger extended) to mimic inserting an electrical plug into a socket, represented by the non-dominant hand (C-shape).
How do you sign plug in BSL?
Form a pointing finger with your dominant hand. Form a 'C' or 'O' shape with your non-dominant hand, palm facing the dominant hand. Move your dominant hand's pointing finger into the opening of your non-dominant hand in a forward, pushing motion.
Is plug one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
It is typically a two-handed sign. The non-dominant hand plays an active role in representing the 'socket' for the 'plug' (dominant hand) to insert into.
What handshape is used for plug in BSL?
The dominant hand uses an extended index finger (often called a G-handshape). The non-dominant hand typically forms a 'C' or 'O' handshape to represent the socket.
How does plug differ from similar signs in BSL?
While 'plug' shares the G-handshape with signs like 'point' or 'button', its key difference is the interaction with the non-dominant hand, which acts as a socket, and the specific forward, inserting movement. 'Point' is usually a directional movement, and 'button' often involves tapping a surface.
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Word web
connector
adapter
N/A
socket
electricity
connect
charge
socket
electricity
connect
charge
power
cable
The sign for 'plug' (dominant G-hand into non-dominant C-hand) is distinct from:
- POINT: Uses the same dominant G-handshape but typically involves an outward directional movement without interaction with the non-dominant hand, used for indicating.
- BUTTON: Often uses the dominant G-handshape to tap or push on a specific location (e.g., chest for a shirt button, or air for a general button), without the 'inserting into a socket' action.
- INSERT/PUT IN (small object): While the movement might be similar, 'insert' is a more general verb and often uses different dominant handshapes depending on the object, and the non-dominant hand might be more open or represent a different type of container
Electrical
device
connection
power
BSL plug
electrical plug sign
power plug BSL
sign for plug
electrical
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