mustard

MUSTARD: Spell it: M-U-S-T-A-R-D

Most adult Deaf just spell the word "mustard." We spell it very quickly. Many beginning level students, think, "Oh wow, that is impossibly fast spelling, I'll never be able to do that!"
What the newbies don't realize is that when we are spelling such common words many of the letters end up being "half-formed." We start with a strong M and end with a strong D. (I've noticed too that for many of us the "D" in "M-U-S-T-A-R-D" ends up being done with just the thumb and middle finger touching and the index finger is up. The other fingers (the pinkie and ring) are tucked in. This is because you just did the letter "R" prior to the letter D. Since "R" uses just the two fingers, the next letter takes advantage of those same two fingers.

Usage Notes:
Mustard preferred variation: Spell M-U-S-T-A-R-D
Mustard "be aware of but do not use" variation: "M" on palm (similar movement to BUTTER and SOAP)
Mustard "be aware of but do not use" variation: "M" on palm "spread" forward once then backward once."
Mustard "use with low functioning individuals who may need a temporary bridge sign" versions: "YELLOW SPREAD" or "YELLOW SQUIRT-on."

MUSTARD:
(Regional Variation) (Not recommended)
Here is an initialized version of mustard.
It looks like you are using an "M" to spread mustard on a piece of bread.

MUSTARD:
(Regional Variation) (Not recommended)
This is a cool little version of the sign that my wife uses.
As far as I can tell, she is the only person in the known universe who uses this sign. (Barring time travel, or inter-dimensional warps).
The movement is representational of dipping a knife into a small mustard jar then spreading mustard on a piece of bread.
Note: The handshape is "two fingers" like an "h or u" dipping into a "C" handshape, (like a Grey Poupon bottle).