Learning the American Sign Language (ASL) sign for 'pig' is a foundational step for anyone interested in farm animals, food vocabulary, or simply expanding their ASL dictionary. As of December 2025, the sign remains consistent across the Deaf community, utilizing a simple, memorable motion that visually represents the animal's snout and eating habits. This comprehensive guide will not only teach you the correct handshape and movement for 'pig' but also provide the essential context and related vocabulary you need to achieve true topical authority in your signing.

The beauty of ASL lies in its visual and conceptual nature, and the sign for 'pig' is a perfect example, often described as mimicking a pig rooting for food or food dripping from its chin. However, this sign is part of a critical "minimal pair" in ASL, making it easily confused with another common word: 'dirty.' Understanding the subtle but vital differences in handshape and movement between PIG and DIRTY is what separates a beginner signer from a fluent one, ensuring clear and accurate communication.

The Definitive Guide to Signing 'Pig' (and Its Synonyms) in ASL

The sign for PIG is a single-handed sign that is both iconic and straightforward to execute. It is used to refer to the animal itself, including synonyms like HOG and SWINE.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the ASL Sign for PIG

• Dominant Handshape: Use the "Flat Hand" or "B" handshape, where all four fingers are straight and together, and the thumb is held alongside. Some sources describe it as a "Bent B" or "4" handshape, indicating a slight bend in the knuckles.
• Orientation: The palm should be facing down, and the fingers should be pointing toward the non-dominant side (to the left if you are right-handed).
• Location: Place the underside of your flat hand directly beneath your chin.
• Movement: Repeatedly bend and straighten your fingers at the knuckles (a wiggling motion). Perform this movement two to three times. The action is meant to resemble the movement of a pig's snout or food dripping from its chin.

Pro Tip: The Visual Mnemonic

To help remember the sign, visualize the hand under the chin as the pig's snout, and the wiggling motion as the pig rooting in the mud or excitedly eating. This visual connection is a key component of ASL learning and retention.

Crucial ASL Nuance: PIG vs. DIRTY—A Minimal Pair Distinction

One of the most common mistakes for new signers is confusing the sign for PIG with the sign for DIRTY. These two signs are considered a "minimal pair" because they are very similar, differing only by one key element. Mastering this distinction is essential for accurate communication and is a hallmark of an advanced signer.

The Sign for DIRTY

While PIG is made under the chin, DIRTY is performed on the chin. The key differences are:

• Handshape: While PIG often uses a flat or slightly bent hand, DIRTY typically uses the "5" handshape (all fingers spread apart) or a modified "B" handshape.
• Movement: The movement for DIRTY is a distinct twist or wiggle of the wrist and fingers, often performed on the chin or cheek, signifying dirt being rubbed onto the face. The movement for PIG is an internal finger bend/unbend under the chin.
• Location: PIG is generally performed slightly lower, under the chin. DIRTY is often performed directly on the chin or lower face.

In short: To avoid signing "That pig is dirty" as "That dirty is pig," focus on the location and the type of movement—internal finger wiggling under the chin for PIG, and a whole-hand wiggle on the face for DIRTY.

Expanding Your Swine Vocabulary: Pork, Bacon, and Related Entities

Once you have mastered the sign for the animal, you can build topical authority by learning related signs for food products derived from pigs. This is where your ASL vocabulary truly becomes practical.

1. How to Sign PORK in ASL

The word PORK is often handled in ASL in one of two ways, as it is a specific food item:

• Fingerspelling: The most common and clearest way, especially for beginners, is to simply fingerspell P-O-R-K.
• Compound Sign (PIG + MEAT): For a conceptual sign, you can combine the sign for PIG followed immediately by the sign for MEAT. This clearly communicates "pig flesh."

To sign MEAT, you pinch the fleshy part of your non-dominant hand (the space between the thumb and index finger) with the index finger and thumb of your dominant hand, wiggling the dominant hand slightly.

2. How to Sign BACON in ASL

The sign for BACON is one of the most visually descriptive food signs in ASL. It uses a different handshape and movement than PIG, representing the strips of bacon being laid out or cooked.

• Handshape: Use the "U" handshape on both hands—extend your index and middle fingers together, keeping the other fingers folded into the palm.
• Orientation: Palms should be facing down, with the fingertips touching.
• Movement: Move your hands apart from the center of your chest in a short, wavy, or side-to-side motion, mimicking the appearance of strips of bacon.

3. Other Related Farm Animal Signs

To further enhance your fluency in conversations about the farm, consider learning these related FARM ANIMAL signs:

• COW: Make the ASL letter 'Y' handshape (thumb and pinkie extended) and place the thumb near your temple, twisting the wrist slightly (mimicking horns).
• HORSE: Place the "H" handshape (index and middle fingers extended and together) on your temple and bend and unbend the fingers a couple of times (mimicking ears).
• CHICKEN: Use the "G" handshape (index finger extended, thumb touching the side of the index finger) at your mouth, bending the index finger to peck (like a beak).

The Importance of Context and Facial Expressions

While the manual components (handshape, location, and movement) of the PIG sign are crucial, remember that non-manual markers (NMMs)—facial expressions, mouth morphemes, and body language—are an integral part of ASL. When signing about a pig, your facial expression might be neutral or slightly amused. If you are describing a large, muddy pig, your expression should convey that size and messiness. This adds depth and clarity to your communication.

By consistently practicing the correct handshape and focusing on the subtle movement differences between PIG and DIRTY, you will quickly integrate this essential vocabulary into your ASL repertoire. The sign for 'pig' is more than just a gesture; it is a gateway to discussing farm life, food, and the rich, conceptual nature of American Sign Language.