The sign for "old" involves placing "C" handshape on top of the chin, and then moving downward at the same time the handshape transforming into a fist. The sign comes from the idea of an elderly person's beard growing down their face, which people used to connect with being old. Moving your hand slower and longer means very old, while a quick, short motion means a bit old. When you're talking about old things instead of old people, do the same hand motion but change your face a little bit. ASL users do this sign all the time, whether they're having serious talks or just chatting with friends, and you'll see it a lot when people tell stories about the past or describe people.
by Serena Clark
Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device
