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Friday, May 8, 2026
Sign of the Day
hoist
The BSL sign for 'hoist' uses two S-hands (fists) to mimic the action of pulling a heavy rope or chain upwards. It represents both the lifting device and the act of using it
B1 Uncommon Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Both hands form S-handshapes (fists), thumb resting on outside of fingers
Hands move firmly upwards in a short, controlled arc, as if pulling a heavy rope or chain
Used when referring to a lifting apparatus or the action of mechanically raising heavy objects
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 S-handshapes (fists) with both hands
- Place hands near waist or lower chest, palms inward/upward
- Move both hands firmly upwards in a short arc
- Repeat the upward motion once to emphasize
Signature details
Handshape
Both hands form S-handshapes (fists), thumb resting on outside of fingers · Code S_FIST
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Symmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Initially inward/upward, ending upward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
'Pah' or 'ch' for effort
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.
The crane used a powerful hoist to lift the beam
Often implies significant weight or a mechanical aid in lifting
Best fit: Used when referring to a lifting apparatus or the action of mechanically raising heavy objects
Mirror focus
Form S-handshapes (fists) with both hands
Catch the slip
Confusing with general 'lift' or 'pull'
Use it today
The crane used a powerful hoist to lift the beam
Common mistakes: Confusing with general 'lift' or 'pull'
When not to use it: For light, non-mechanical lifting or abstract concepts of raising
Regional note: Minor variations in hand placement or movement emphasis may occur
1.[en] The builders used a hoist. / BSL:[hands form S-shape, pull up twice]
2.[en] We need a hoist to lift this. / BSL:[hands form S-shape, pull up once, look at object]
3.[en] He operated the hoist. / BSL:[person signs 'he', then 'hoist']
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Word web
lift
raise
elevate
pulley
lower
drop
descend
crane
lift
pulley
winch
elevate
lift
crane
pulley
pull
The sign for HOIST uses two S-hands pulling upwards firmly, specifically for heavy, mechanical lifting. In contrast, the general sign for LIFT (verb) often uses two B-hands (flat palms) moving smoothly upwards, suitable for any object. The sign for PULL (verb) can be one-handed (G-hand) or two-handed (S-hands), but its movement is typically horizontal or towards the body. The sign for CRANE (noun) usually depicts the machine itself, often with a C-hand near the head representing the boom
mechanical
lifting
equipment
heavy
work
lift
crane
raise
pulley
elevate
machinery
heavy lifting
Work
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