How to Sign "Cousin" in American Sign Language

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), the sign for cousin uses a C handshape held beside your head with a small back-and-forth twist or shake. Where you place it can carry gender. Near the temple or upper side of the head usually means a male cousin. Near the cheek or jaw usually means a female cousin. Near the ear, between those two spots, is a common gender-neutral version.

This guide covers ASL, the sign language most widely used in the United States. Other sign languages, such as British Sign Language, use different signs, so this one won't carry over to them.

Step-by-step: forming the sign

• 1. Use your dominant hand, the one you write with. Left-handed signers mirror the sign on the left side.
• 2. Make a C handshape: curve your fingers together and curve your thumb opposite them so your hand looks like the letter C.
• 3. Choose the location. Place it near your temple for a male cousin, near your cheek or jaw for a female cousin, or near your ear to leave gender unspecified.
• 4. Add the movement: twist your wrist slightly back and forth, or give the hand a small shake, a few times. Keep it short and relaxed.

Why the location changes the meaning

Many ASL family signs follow the same pattern. Signs for male relatives are made near the forehead, and signs for female relatives are made near the chin or jaw. Mother and father work this way, as do aunt and uncle, and niece and nephew. Cousin follows the pattern, and the ear-level version has become a common choice when gender isn't relevant or isn't known.

If you're unsure: fingerspelling

If you can't recall the sign or the other person doesn't recognize it, you can fingerspell C-O-U-S-I-N with the ASL manual alphabet. Fingerspelling is slower, but it is widely understood and makes a reliable fallback.

How to check that you're signing it correctly

• Compare your handshape, location and movement against a video from a reputable ASL dictionary or course. A still picture can't show the movement clearly.
• Watch yourself in a mirror. Confirm the C shape is clear and the hand stays near the location you intended.
• Ask a Deaf signer or an ASL teacher to watch you. This is the most reliable way to confirm the sign reads naturally.

Checking against a video or a mirror only shows whether your sign matches a reference. Only feedback from a fluent signer shows whether it is understood the way you intend.

Limitations and gaps

ASL varies by region, community and generation, so you may see a different movement or palm angle from one signer to the next. This guide describes the commonly taught form and is not a substitute for a video reference or a fluent signer. No source-specific evidence was supplied for this article, so details like exact palm orientation are worth checking against a trusted ASL resource.