How to sign “Bad” in ASL
The BSL sign for “Bad” isn't in our dictionary yet — it will be fingerspelled in BSL mode, never replaced with this ASL sign.
Step by step
- Touch the fingertips of your dominant flat hand to your lips or chin, palm facing you.
- Move your hand down and away from your face in one smooth arc.
- As your hand travels, twist it so your palm rotates to face downward.
- End with your hand open in front of your chest, palm facing down.
- Wear a frown or scowl to match the meaning — the face carries the negativity.
Practice tip
BAD is the mirror image of GOOD: same start at the mouth, but the palm twists down instead of up.
Fingerspell “Bad”
Letter by letter — a handy backup if you forget the sign above. This is not the sign itself.
Text-based guide researched from established ASL references (Lifeprint, university and public-health materials) and rewritten in original words. Signer-created photos and videos are a planned future upgrade.