How to sign “Eat” in BSL

Food & Drink

BSL and ASL are different languages — this is the British sign. See the ASL sign for “Eat” instead

Step by step

  1. Bring your fingertips and thumb together into a bunched shape.
  2. Tap the bunched fingers against your mouth twice.

Practice tip

Make the double tap rhythmic, like taking two bites — the timing makes it instantly readable.

Text-based guide researched from BSL-specific references (BSL SignBank, BDA-adjacent teaching materials and BSL dictionaries) and rewritten in original words. Signer-created photos and videos are a planned future upgrade. BSL has regional variation — this is the most widely taught form.

Browse all 47 BSL signs in the dictionary