Subways: Not Just for Eating (But Those Are Delicious Too)
Ever felt the need to casually mention your love for subways while chatting with someone who uses ASL? Or maybe you just want to impress your friends with your newfound signing skills? Well, buckle up (or should we say, hold on tight - train puns incoming) because we're about to dive into the delightful world of signing "subway" in ASL.
Forget the Bread, Think Underground Trains!
Yes, you read that right. Signing "subway" doesn't involve forming a sandwich out of your hands (although that might be a fun party trick). Instead, it cleverly references the underground railway system most of us associate with the word "subway."
The "Y" Makes Its Way Underground
Here's the breakdown:
- Platform Time: Hold your non-dominant hand out in front of you, palm facing down. This represents the subway platform.
- Gettin' Your Train On: Now, with your dominant hand, form a "Y" shape with your index and middle finger. This is our trusty subway car.
- Tunnel Vision (But the Cool Kind): Starting from under your non-dominant hand (the platform), slide the "Y" hand back and forth – like a train zooming through a tunnel.
Voila! You've just signed "subway" in ASL.
Pro Tip: Channel your inner train conductor and add some sound effects with a choo-choo or a whooshing noise for extra flair (because why not?).
Bonus Round: Sandwich Savvy
While the "Y" method works perfectly for underground trains, some folks might also use it to signify the "Subway" sandwich chain. If context is unclear, you can always fingerspell "S-U-B-W-A-Y" for added clarity.
Now, the next time you're craving a footlong or just geeking out about ASL, you'll be ready to confidently sign "subway" like a pro. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to have fun and maybe even recreate a mini-subway scene with your hands to solidify the concept.
Happy signing, and hey, maybe you'll inspire someone to join you on a future ASL adventure (or a lunch date at Subway – we won't judge).
