The sign for "pants" is
made by placing both of your hands in an open position just below your waist. Bring
both hands up to your waist. As your hands come up, bend your knuckles
and curl your fingers up a bit.
PANTS (Version 1) (Use a double movement)
Student: Can the same sign be used for pants and slacks? I've seen two
different signs for pants and slacks.
Dr Vicars: I personally don't use a separate sign for slacks and pants. I
use the same sign for both but for slacks I precede the pants sign with the
sign "NICE" or the sign "FANCY. When I sign
"FANCY"+"PANTS" I use a very small, subdued movement for
"fancy" to indicate "classy" rather than "over the top." Some people sign
"church" pants. For example in it is common for an adult to tell a child to
wear their "church pants;" or for a husband to ask his wife "Where are my
church pants?" (Hey, "I" don't do that -- I know where my pants are.
I'm just saying some guys do it.)
Of course, you should always check with the Deaf in your area to
see what they are using. If a Deaf friend feels strongly about
one version or another -- by all
means sign it his/her way.
Another way to sign pants is
to show the legs of the pants by moving your "b" palms down each leg.
PANTS ("leg" variation)
STUDENT: "I've seen this sign done with "P" handshapes moving down the
leg. Is that okay?"
Dr. Bill: No, it is not good to "P" down your leg. (heh)
