Sign Language for “Argue” and “Argument”: How to Sign It and Check Your Form

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), ARGUE is commonly signed with both index fingers extended and pointing toward each other, palms facing your body, in front of your chest. You move the hands up and down at the same time, repeating the motion a few times, as if the two fingers are going back and forth at each other. The noun ARGUMENT, meaning a quarrel or dispute, is generally signed with the same handshape and location.

This guide covers ASL because the request targets readers in the United States. Other sign languages, such as British Sign Language or Russian Sign Language, use their own signs, so this answer does not carry over to them.

Which meaning of “argument” do you need?

English uses “argument” for two different things, and the sign depends on which one you mean.

• A quarrel or disagreement between people: the ARGUE sign described above fits this meaning.
• A line of reasoning or a case for a position, as in “the argument of an essay”: the quarrel sign may not express this meaning well. Signers often choose a sign based on context, for example a sign related to debating, reasons or a point being made. No supplied source confirms a single standard sign for this sense, so check it with a fluent signer or a reputable ASL dictionary.

Step by step: signing ARGUE

• Make a “1” handshape with each hand: index finger extended, other fingers curled, thumb resting on the curled fingers.
• Hold both hands in front of your chest with the index fingers pointing toward each other and your palms facing you.
• Move both hands up and down at the same time, in short, repeated strokes.
• Let your facial expression match the situation. A mild disagreement and a heated fight read differently through your face, and in ASL that expression is part of the message.

Limitations to keep in mind

No confirmed source evidence was supplied for this article, so the description above follows widely taught ASL practice and is not verified against a specific dictionary entry. Movement details vary between signers and regions. Some signers use a larger or more forceful version for a heated argument. The difference between the verb and noun forms may come down to small changes in movement and is not documented here. The most reliable check is a video from a recognized ASL dictionary or feedback from a Deaf or fluent signer.

Checking your sign on camera

Recording yourself is a practical way to compare your sign with a reference video. It also helps you prepare for signing on a video call. Each of the following is a separate check, so confirm them one at a time.

• Camera access: your browser or operating system has granted the app permission to use the camera. Permission alone does not mean the picture is usable.
• Video capture: the preview shows a live image. Confirm that both hands and your face are in frame from mid-chest up, because ARGUE happens in front of the chest.
• Visual clarity: in the preview or a test recording, check that your fingers stay distinct during the motion. Even lighting on your hands and face helps, and so does a plain physical background that contrasts with your skin and clothing.
• Call quality: a clear local preview does not guarantee the other person sees smooth motion. Ask the person you are signing with whether the repeated movement comes through clearly.

Virtual background and blur effects can sometimes cut off or smear moving hands, which makes fingers hard to read. If your hands flicker or vanish in the preview, turn the effect off and use a plain physical background instead.