ASL: classic


Topic: "classic"
Question: How do you sign "classic?"
Answer: If you wish to map it to English and if your audience already knows what the word "classic" means -- then just fingerspell it. Otherwise, consider the context then choose signs that match your intended meaning.

Here are some suggestions based on the definitions of classic:
1. Judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.
UP-TO-NOW-[since/have-been]!
TOP-NOTCH
DEPEND CAN!
ZOOM
BEST
CAN'T BEAT!
PERFECT
PRECIOUS PASS-down-through-time

2. Remarkably and instructively typical.
THAT!
UP-TO-NOW-[since/have-been]!
OF-COURSE!-[NORMAL!]
DOCUMENTED!  UP-TO-NOW!
FOLLOW IT! UP-TO-NOW!
HISTORY! IT!

OLD PAST-[back-when] UP-TO-NOW!

1. a work of art of recognized and established value.

Example:  THEY-all RECOGNIZE IT. KNOW+, EXPENSIVE!

2. a school subject that involves the study of ancient Greek and Latin literature, philosophy, and history.

Example:  MAIN-[major / line-of-work/ field] TOPIC GREEK LATIN WISDOM THEORY-[non-initialized] HISTORY

 




Notes:
When you see "classic" fingerspelled by advanced signers it is typically done very quickly and one of the "S" shapes may be dropped. Thus CLASSIC becomes CLASIC and the "IC" portion become a sort of rolling opening of the fingers starting at the pinkie. 

Another option to consider is the "OLD-FASHIONED" sign. The concept can be either negative or positive.  When used as a positive (with a positive facial expression) the sign OLD-FASHIONED may be a good choice for "classic."
 


* If discussing comic books, you can use the related lingo:
GOLD-OLD (golden age) or GOLD TIME-[time-period-version]
SILVER-OLD (silver age) or SILVER TIME-[time-period-version]


If discussing movies, films, or television (TV) you can be specific:
BLACK WHITE, 40's, 50's, 60's, SILENT, ect.


Reference:
* Hat tip to "JC Wordsmith" who mentioned the approach of using specific descriptors.
(In a post to the Lifeprint.ASLU Facebook group 10/30/2019.)
 




Also see: Lexicalization of fingerspelling.
 

 






 
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